The curtains came down on the highly anticipated 13th Khanjar exercise as Indian and Kyrgyz special forces marked its successful end with a closing ceremony in Misamari, Assam. Held from February 4 to 17, 2026, the fortnight-long training underscored deepening defense ties between the two nations.
Elite squads—20 personnel each from India’s Parachute Regiment Special Forces and Kyrgyzstan’s Ilbirs Brigade—engaged in rigorous sessions aimed at refining counter-terrorism strategies, special operations, urban combat, and UN peacekeeping drills. The focus on sharing expertise elevated operational compatibility and mutual confidence.
Since its inception in 2011, Khanjar has become a cornerstone of bilateral military engagement, rotating venues annually. Kyrgyzstan hosted the prior edition in March 2025.
Both delegations hailed the exercise as a triumph during the finale, highlighting its role in honing skills and solidifying pledges for regional peace and counter-extremism efforts. This collaboration fortifies the strategic defense alliance amid shared security threats.
Meanwhile, Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra made a key visit to a forward air base. Welcomed with full honors, he scrutinized readiness levels, piloted an SU-30MKI sortie, and engaged with personnel. He commended their unwavering dedication and operational excellence.
‘Such vigilance is the bedrock of our nation’s defense,’ Air Marshal Mishra stated, reaffirming the command’s resolve to meet any exigency. The inspection highlighted the IAF’s peak preparedness.