The 13th edition of the annual India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR is currently underway at Missamari in Assam’s Sonitpur district. Running from February 4 to 17, 2026, the two-week drill brings together elite troops from both nations to sharpen skills in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
A 20-member Indian Army team from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) is training alongside an equal-sized contingent from Kyrgyzstan’s ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade. The exercise focuses on building seamless teamwork, sharing best practices, and practising real-world scenarios such as sniping, building clearance, and mountain operations—skills vital for modern threats.
This year’s theme aligns with United Nations mandates for peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, reflecting the shared goal of promoting stability in a region facing cross-border threats. The drill alternates locations every year; the previous edition (12th) was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
Why this matters Exercise KHANJAR is more than routine training—it strengthens the growing defence partnership between India and a key Central Asian neighbour. Both countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and have steadily deepened military ties since the first Khanjar exercise over a decade ago. The drills foster trust, improve operational coordination, and send a clear message: India and Kyrgyzstan stand together for regional peace and security.
Missamari’s varied terrain—from plains to hills—provides an ideal setting to simulate diverse combat environments, making the training highly practical for both sides.
As the exercise reaches its midpoint, it continues to highlight India’s commitment to building strong, professional bonds with friendly nations while enhancing the readiness of its Special Forces.
In an era of complex security challenges, joint exercises like KHANJAR are practical steps toward a safer, more cooperative neighbourhood.
