The 12th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar-XII concluded today in Tokmok, marking another milestone in the growing defence cooperation between the two nations. The exercise, which began on March 10, brought together elite troops from India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade for an intensive training program aimed at enhancing interoperability, high-altitude warfare capabilities, and counter-terrorism tactics.
Over the course of the drills, both contingents engaged in advanced military operations, including sniping, complex building interventions, mountain warfare, and specialised counter-terrorism manoeuvres. These exercises were designed to prepare forces for combat in challenging urban and mountainous environments, refining their ability to operate seamlessly in joint missions.
A key highlight of Khanjar-XII was the celebration of Nowruz, an important festival in Kyrgyz culture. The event fostered camaraderie between the participating troops, strengthened people-to-people ties, and reinforced the broader strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan.
During the closing ceremony, two Indian personnel were honoured with medals by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defence for their outstanding performance, while two others received Certificates of Appreciation for their professional excellence. The event was attended by senior military officials from both countries, along with representatives from other friendly nations, underscoring the strategic significance of the joint exercise in enhancing regional stability and security cooperation.
A comprehensive debrief followed the exercise, allowing participants to consolidate key lessons learned and explore future avenues of military collaboration. The successful completion of Khanjar-XII reaffirms India’s and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to strengthening their defence partnership and promoting peace, stability, and security in the region.
Team BharatShakti
