India and Kyrgyzstan to hold 13th edition of exercise Khanjar in Assam

India and Kyrgyzstan will conduct the 13th edition of the joint military Exercise Khanjar in Assam from February 4 to 17 , Defence officials said, continuing efforts to enhance operational cooperation between the two nations’ forces.

The bilateral exercise, to be held at Misamari , will focus on interoperability between the special forces of both countries, with training scenarios centred on urban warfare and counter‑terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate . Officials said the drills will include complex mission rehearsals designed to improve joint planning, coordination and execution in challenging environments.

While the Indian Army has not publicly named individual units for the 2026 iteration, previous editions of Exercise Khanjar have seen participation by elite contingents, such as troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of India alongside the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade , a specialised Kyrgyz unit renowned for counter‑terrorism and covert operations.

The 13th edition continues a series that began in 2011 and has been held annually, with venues alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan to reflect deepening defence ties. The 12th edition , conducted in March 2025 in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, included intensive exercises in sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft and specialised counter‑terrorism drills , alongside high‑altitude operations and cultural exchanges that reinforced camaraderie between the contingents.

Officials said Exercise Khanjar not only boosts interoperability and combat readiness but also reflects the growing India-Kyrgyzstan defence partnership, contributing to regional security cooperation and closer military ties.