Joint special forces exercise 'KHANJAR-XII' was held in March 2025 between India and which of the following countries?

Question

Joint special forces exercise 'KHANJAR-XII' was held in March 2025 between India and which of the following countries?

1. Russia

2. Turkmenistan

3. Kyrgyzstan

4. Mongolia

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. 2 and 3
2. B. 3 and 4
3. C. Only 3 (Correct answer)
4. D. Only 1

Correct Answer

Option C — Only 3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Only 3.

Key Points

• The joint special forces exercise KHANJAR is held between India and Kyrgyzstan. Its twelfth edition (KHANJAR-XII) took place in March 2025.
• Only country 3 is correct, giving option (c).
• Russia, Turkmenistan and Mongolia are not participants in this exercise.

Additional Information

• KHANJAR began in 2011 and is held annually, alternating between the two countries. It is conducted between the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan's Scorpion Brigade, and focuses on counter-terrorism and high-altitude and mountain warfare.
• Other India-partner exercises worth revising:
  • Russia — INDRA
  • USA — Yudh Abhyas (army), Vajra Prahar (special forces), Malabar (naval, with Japan and Australia), Cope India (air)
  • China — Hand-in-Hand
  • Japan — Dharma Guardian, JIMEX
  • Nepal — Surya Kiran
  • Sri Lanka — Mitra Shakti, SLINEX
  • Bangladesh — Sampriti, Bongosagar
  • Mongolia — Nomadic Elephant
  • Maldives — Ekuverin
  • Oman — Al Nagah (army), Naseem Al Bahr (naval), Eastern Bridge (air)
  • UK — Ajeya Warrior, Konkan
  • France — Shakti, Varuna, Garuda
• Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian partner under India's "Connect Central Asia" policy, and both countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).