On March 23, 2025, The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, Khanjar-XII, culminated in a grand closing ceremony at Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, marking another milestone in the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Conducted from March 10 to March 23, 2025, the exercise brought together the elite special forces of the Indian Army and the Kyrgyz Army to enhance their joint operational capabilities in counter-terrorism and urban warfare scenarios.
The closing ceremony, attended by senior military officials from both countries, showcased the camaraderie and mutual respect developed over the two-week training period.
Exercise Khanjar-XII focused on key tactical areas, including urban warfare, counter-terrorism tactics, and precision sniping. The training enabled both contingents to improve interoperability, a critical factor in addressing modern security challenges such as terrorism and extremism, which both nations recognize as borderless threats. According to a statement from the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), the exercise “strengthened joint operational capabilities and built camaraderie between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Kyrgyz Army.”
The Khanjar series, which began in 2011, has grown in scope and significance over the years. Historical exercises, such as Khanjar-V in 2018 at India’s Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram, have included scenarios like airborne insertions to neutralize terrorist encampments. This year’s iteration in Tokmok reflects the continuity of this partnership, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan to provide diverse training environments.
The exercise aligns with India’s broader strategic outreach in Central Asia, a region critical to its security interests. India and Kyrgyzstan share concerns over terrorism and extremism, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2015 visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he emphasized the need for a “peaceful and secure neighborhood.” That visit, following the Khanjar 2015 exercise, also saw the signing of four key agreements on defense and cultural cooperation, further solidifying bilateral ties.
The successful conclusion of Khanjar-XII not only strengthens India-Kyrgyzstan military ties but also contributes to regional stability by fostering collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts. As both nations continue to face evolving security challenges, such joint exercises are a testament to their shared commitment to peace and security in the region.
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For India, this exercise is part of a broader strategy to deepen defence relationships across Central Asia, as evidenced by its participation in forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and bilateral engagements with countries like Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. As the Indian Army continues to build such partnerships, exercises like Khanjar-XII serve as a cornerstone for enhancing operational readiness and fostering international goodwill.
