India, Kyrgyzstan Deepen Defence Ties As Special Forces’ Joint Exercise Khanjar 2026 Gets Underway In Assam
Exercise Khanjar will provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns. Image courtesy: RNA
Missamari in Assam is set to witness some strong military action for the next few days as India and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) launched the latest edition of their annual joint special forces exercise ‘Khanjar’, underlining the growing depth of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will run from February 4 to February 17 and brings together 20 personnel from the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and an equal number from Kyrgyzstan’s ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade.
Exercise Khanjar 2026: What are the key objectives?
As part of these joint drills, India and Kyrgyzstan’s participating troops will exchange best practices and operational experience in counter-terrorism and special forces operations, particularly in urban and mountainous terrain, as the primary aim. Moreover, the exercise will also focus on developing advanced Special Forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft.
Officials said the exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the special forces of both nations, with training focused on joint operations under a United Nations mandate. A senior official, quoted by PTI, noted that the drill reflects a shared commitment by New Delhi and Bishkek to promoting peace, stability and regional security.
How does this exercise fit into India-Kyrgyz defence relations?
Exercise Khanjar has been held annually since 2011, evolving into a cornerstone of India–Kyrgyz military engagement. The previous edition took place in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, in March 2025, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the partnership.
Defence cooperation between the two countries also includes training of Kyrgyz military personnel at Indian defence institutions, regular exchange programmes, and collaborative research initiatives.
How strategically significant is Central Asia to India
India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded steadily across defence, security, trade and investment, with both sides sharing concerns over terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking. The year 2022 was marked as the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Kyrgyz Republic.
A key symbol of this cooperation is the Kyrgyz–India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre (KIMBMRC) in Bishkek, which focuses on high-altitude medical research relevant to military operations in mountainous regions.
As India looks to strengthen its engagement in Central Asia, exercises like Khanjar signal New Delhi’s intent to build long-term security partnerships beyond its immediate neighbourhood, while offering Kyrgyzstan access to advanced training and operational expertise.
