Neha BaruahA 25-member Indian Army team has departed for Indonesia to take part in Garud Shakti 24, the ninth edition of a joint exercise that underscores the growing defense partnership between India and Indonesia. Held from November 1 to November 12 in Cijantung, Jakarta, this collaborative effort reaffirms both nations’ commitment to regional security.
Purpose of Garud Shakti
Garud Shakti 24 is primarily aimed at enhancing military cooperation between India and Indonesia. Through this joint exercise, both armies seek to fortify their tactical partnership and deepen bonds in defense readiness. The focus is on rehearsing and discussing key military drills, enabling seamless cooperation on the battlefield.
Participants
The Indian team hails from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), showcasing elite forces from India. Indonesia’s Special Forces, known as Kopassus, contribute 40 of their own personnel, highlighting both countries’ dedication to collaborative defense efforts.
Key Objectives
The primary goals of Garud Shakti 24 include:
- Understanding Each Other’s Protocols: Familiarizing both forces with each other’s operational tactics.
- Strengthening Cooperation: Promoting a deeper understanding and cooperation between the Indian and Indonesian Special Forces.
- Enhancing Interoperability: Ensuring that both armies can operate jointly in diverse scenarios.
Activities in Focus
The exercise covers a comprehensive range of tactical activities, including:
- Planning and Executing Special Ops: Training on strategic planning and implementation of special operations.
- Skill-Building Sessions: Orienting troops to advanced techniques for special forces missions.
- Weaponry and Tactical Insights: Exchanging knowledge on specialized equipment, weaponry, and maneuver tactics.
Emphasis on Jungle Operations
An integral part of Garud Shakti is the focus on Jungle Warfare Operations, including:
- Jungle Terrain Maneuvers: Conducting drills tailored for jungle landscapes.
- Anti-Terrorist Tactics: Training for targeted strikes on simulated hostile camps.
- Comprehensive Validation Exercises: Performing drills that integrate fundamental and advanced skills to test adaptability in challenging environments.
These exercises also encourage cultural exchange, providing insight into each other’s lifestyles, which strengthens trust and camaraderie beyond tactical coordination.
Recent Diplomatic Developments
On October 24, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Their discussions on enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership emphasize the importance of collaborations like Garud Shakti.
Why Defense Cooperation Matters
Garud Shakti stands as a symbol of the deepening defense relationship between India and Indonesia. This exercise bolsters both nations’ readiness to tackle shared threats, reflecting a unified commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Looking Ahead
As India and Indonesia continue their collaborative defense efforts, the scope of future exercises may expand to cover more complex, multi-dimensional scenarios. Such partnerships pave the way for a robust Indo-Pacific framework that supports security and stability.
The Garud Shakti exercise represents a strategic milestone in Indo-Indonesian relations. Through combined training and cultural exchange, both nations are building a solid foundation for enduring military collaboration and mutual growth.
Neha Baruah
Izaz Ahmed
Asik Syed
