India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar-XII, which began on March 10, has concluded, the Indian Army announced on Sunday.

The exercise concluded in Tokmok City in Kyrgyzstan.

The exercise was conducted from 10 to 23 March 2025.

Exercise Purpose

The exercise enabled both contingents to enhance their capabilities in joint operations in urban warfare scenario, counter-terrorism tactics and precision sniping, improving interoperability between the special forces of both countries.

"The exercise has also strengthened the joint operational capabilities and build camaraderie between the #SpecialForces of the #IndianArmy and the #KyrgyzArmy," the Indian Army said in a statement posted on X.

The last edition of the same exercise was conducted in India in January 2024.

Bilateral Defence Ties

Important facets of bilateral defence cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic include training Kyrgyz personnel in Indian defence establishments, joint exercises, conduct of exchange programmes and joint research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre (KIMBMRC), Bishkek.

"During PM’s visit in June 2019, four MoUs were signed on bilateral defence cooperation, viz, MoUs between Indian National Security Guards and Kyrgyz National Guards, Indian High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg and Kyrgyz Combat Training Centre, Balykchi, Indian National Defence Academy and Kyrgyz Defence Academy and lastly, DRDO and National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek," read the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan website.

A six-member delegation from National Cadet Corps (New Delhi) visited the Kyrgyz Republic from 24-30 September 2024 as part of Youth Exchange Programme. 70.

An 18-member delegation from College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, Ministry of Defence, visited Kyrgyz Republic from 20-24 February 2023 to study Higher Defence Management practices and strategic security imperatives pertaining to Kyrgyz Republic.

The delegation held discussions with Kyrgyz counterparts and called on Kyrgyz dignitaries.

2024 Joint Exercise

Last year, India-Kyrgyz Joint Forces Special Exercise Khanjar-XI was held from 22 January to February 3, 2024 at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh.

20 soldiers from Special Forces (SF) of the Kyrgyz Armed Forces participated in the exercise.

(With inputs from IBNS)