What happened?
The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII commenced on March 10, 2025, in Kyrgyzstan. Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade are participating. The exercise focuses on counterterrorism operations in urban and high-altitude terrains, advanced special forces skills, and cultural exchanges.
Why it matters to India
This exercise strengthens India’s defence ties with Kyrgyzstan, improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination. It enhances India’s counterterrorism capabilities and reinforces regional security cooperation in Central Asia, a region critical for India’s geopolitical interests.