India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR-XIII Begins in Assam

India and Kyrgyzstan have launched the 13th edition of their annual joint military exercise, KHANJAR-XIII, at Misamari in Assam’s Sonitpur district. The exercise, scheduled to run from February 4 to February 17, marks a continued effort by both nations to deepen defence ties and enhance military cooperation in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.

The joint drill reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan and highlights the importance both countries place on regular military engagement. Since its inception in 2011, Exercise KHANJAR has become a key pillar of bilateral defence cooperation, with the venue alternating between the two countries to reinforce long-term institutional ties.

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Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Urban Warfare

The current edition of the exercise is centred on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under a United Nations mandate framework. These training objectives are designed to mirror modern conflict environments, where military forces are increasingly required to operate in densely populated urban areas and respond to asymmetric threats.

Defence officials have stated that the exercise aims to improve coordination, tactical integration, and joint mission planning between the special forces of both nations. By training together in realistic scenarios, the participating troops are expected to enhance their ability to operate seamlessly in multinational peacekeeping and counter-terror operations.

Participation of Elite Special Forces Units

India is being represented by elite personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Kyrgyzstan has deployed troops from its specialised Scorpion Brigade, a unit known for its counter-terrorism and high-altitude operational capabilities. The involvement of these elite formations underscores the high operational value of the exercise.

Training activities include advanced close-quarter battle drills, room intervention, building clearance, sniping, mountain craft, and specialised counter-terror techniques. These modules are designed to sharpen combat readiness and enable both sides to exchange best practices, operational experiences, and tactical insights gained from their respective theatres of operation.

Broader Strategic and Regional Significance

Beyond its tactical objectives, Exercise KHANJAR-XIII also serves a broader strategic purpose within India’s defence diplomacy in Central Asia. The exercise contributes to building trust, enhancing mutual understanding, and reinforcing long-term military-to-military relationships between New Delhi and Bishkek.

Officials have noted that such joint engagements play an important role in addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and extremism, while also supporting regional stability. The consistent continuation of the KHANJAR series reflects both countries’ commitment to collaborative security frameworks and stronger defence partnerships.

The MGMM Outlook

The launch of KHANJAR-XIII in Assam reflects the steady strengthening of India–Kyrgyzstan defence ties and highlights India’s growing role in deepening military cooperation across Central Asia. The long-running nature of the exercise, now in its 13th edition, shows a sustained commitment to institutional defence engagement and mutual trust. Hosting the drill in Assam also underlines India’s focus on the northeastern region as an important strategic and training hub, while reinforcing long-term military-to-military relationships that go beyond symbolic diplomacy.

The focus on counter-terrorism, urban warfare, and special forces interoperability demonstrates a practical, future-oriented approach to modern security challenges. With elite units from both sides participating, the exercise enhances real-world readiness, tactical coordination, and operational learning in complex environments. Such engagements strengthen India’s broader defence diplomacy by building credible partnerships to address shared threats like terrorism and extremism, while contributing to regional stability and reinforcing collaborative security frameworks.

(Sources: News On Air, Tribune India)