Khanjar-XII Strengthens India-Kyrgyzstan Defense Ties

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-11 08:59:15 |

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The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, Khanjar-XII, is set to take place from March 10 to 23, 2025, in Kyrgyzstan. Since its inception in 2011, this annual exercise has alternated between the two nations. The Indian contingent participating in the event consists of troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent includes the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade. The primary objective of this joint exercise is to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and special operations, focusing on operations in both urban and mountainous terrains.

Khanjar-XII aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices in counter-terrorism operations. The training will focus on advanced skills, including sniping, complex building interventions, and mountain warfare techniques. These exercises are designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of both nations in dealing with contemporary security threats. In addition to its military aspects, the exercise will also incorporate cultural exchanges. The celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz will serve as a symbol of the deepening friendship between India and Kyrgyzstan, fostering mutual respect and cultural understanding between the participating forces.

Strategically, this exercise reinforces the strong defence ties between the two countries. It highlights their shared commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly in addressing common threats posed by international terrorism and extremism. Over the years, the Khanjar series of exercises has evolved, with each edition building upon the lessons learned from previous iterations. The last edition took place in India in January 2024, contributing to enhanced operational readiness and interoperability between the forces.

Beyond Khanjar-XII, India has been actively strengthening its defence partnerships with other nations. Recently, India and Japan held the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi. These discussions focused on key areas such as military education, niche technology collaborations, and operational training, further demonstrating India's broader commitment to regional security and international military cooperation.

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