The Indian Army contingent has departed for Kyrgyzstan, where it will participate in Joint Special Forces Exercise  Khanjar-XII, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise  Khanjar-XII is set to take place in Kyrgyzstan from March 10 to March 23.

"Since its inception in 2011,  Khanjar-XII has evolved into an annual training event. The alternating venues between India and Kyrgyzstan reflect the unique dimension of the thriving strategic relationship," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

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

The Indian contingent is represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

Aim Of Exercise

The Ministry of Defence said the aim of the exercise is to exchange experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios.

The exercise will also focus on developing advanced Special Forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft.

Beyond rigorous training, the exercise will feature vibrant cultural exchanges, including celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz.

This interaction will further cement the bond of friendship between the two nations.

"The exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism," the statement said.

The Ministry said the exercise reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to fostering peace stability, and security in the region.

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 discussion 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.

The elite Special Forces of India and the Kyrgyz Republic exchanged experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism operations in mountainous terrain 16 and built-up areas.