From February 4 to 17, 2026, the 13th edition of the joint military exercise KHANJAR will be conducted at Misamari. The exercise brings together elite Special Forces of both countries to train for modern combat challenges such as counter-terrorism and urban warfare. This annual drill reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan and highlights their shared commitment to regional and global security.
What Is Exercise KHANJAR
- Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint Special Forces military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan, started in 2011.
- The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the armed forces of both nations.
- Over the years, it has evolved into a key platform for sharing best practices in special operations, particularly in counter-terrorism and high-risk combat environments.
- The venue alternates between the two countries, symbolising equality and trust in their defence partnership.
Where and When Is Khanjar-XIII Being Held In 2026?
- The 13th edition, KHANJAR-XIII, will take place at Misamari from February 4 to February 17, 2026.
- Misamari is a major military training location in Northeast India, offering terrain suitable for realistic combat training.
- Conducting the exercise in Assam also highlights India’s strategic focus on its eastern region and its ability to host international military engagements in diverse operational environments.
Who Are the Participating Forces?
- The exercise will see participation from India’s elite Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade.
- These units are trained for high-risk missions and rapid response operations.
- Their joint participation ensures deep coordination at the tactical level, enabling both sides to operate effectively together during future multinational or UN-mandated missions.
Key Training Focus Areas
- Exercise KHANJAR-XIII focuses on urban warfare, counter-terrorism operations and special forces tactics under a United Nations mandate.
- Troops will practice advanced skills such as sniping, room intervention, building clearance, mountain craft and specialised counter-terrorism drills.
- These activities are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, helping soldiers adapt to evolving threats like terrorism, extremism and asymmetric warfare.
Importance of This Exercise
- India and Kyrgyzstan share warm and friendly relations and are strategic partners.
- Defense cooperation is a major pillar of this relationship. Apart from joint exercises, India trains Kyrgyz military personnel, conducts exchange programmes and collaborates in research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre in Bishkek.
- Exercise KHANJAR strengthens trust, enhances regional security cooperation and reflects shared concerns over terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | 13th Exercise KHANJAR announced |
| Location | Misamari, Assam |
| Dates | Feb 4-17, 2026 |
| Forces Involved | Indian & Kyrgyz Special Forces |
| Focus Areas | Counter-terrorism, urban warfare |
Question
Q. Exercise KHANJAR is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
A. Kazakhstan
B. Uzbekistan
C. Tajikistan
D. Kyrgyzstan