What is the News? India and Indonesia have started the 10th edition of their Joint Special Forces Exercise “GARUDA SHAKTI”.
  • Location: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
  • Dates: 03 to 12 December 2025
This exercise is conducted regularly to improve defence cooperation between the two countries.

PARTICIPATING FORCES

Indian Contingent
  • From The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
  • This is one of India’s elite special operations units
Indonesian Contingent
  • From the Indonesian Special Forces
  • Highly trained in counter-terrorism and special missions
Both teams are trained to operate in tough and hostile conditions. PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE The main aim of GARUDA SHAKTI is to:
  • Improve mutual understanding
  • Increase cooperation
  • Enhance interoperability
Interoperability means: Ability of forces from different countries to work together smoothly during real operations. NATURE OF THE TRAINING The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations. Training is conducted at troop level, meaning:
  • Small units
  • Close coordination
  • Realistic combat situations
The training area includes semi-mountainous terrain, similar to many operational areas. KEY TRAINING AREAS COVERED During GARUDA SHAKTI, soldiers train in:
  • Unarmed combat techniques
  • Combat shooting drills
  • Sniping operations
  • Heliborne operations
(Operations using helicopters for insertion and extraction)
  • Drone operations
  • Counter-UAS (anti-drone) techniques
  • Planning for loitering munition strikes
This reflects modern battlefield requirements, where technology and mobility are very important. EXCHANGE OF OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE Apart from physical training, the exercise also includes:
  • Sharing experiences
  • Learning about each other’s:
    • Weapons
    • Equipment
    • Tactics
    • Operational procedures
This exchange helps both sides upgrade their skills and adapt to new threats. FOCUS ON PHYSICAL & MENTAL READINESS The exercise places strong emphasis on:
  • High physical fitness
  • Tough tactical drills
  • High-intensity combat training
This helps:
  • Improve endurance
  • Build teamwork
  • Increase confidence among troops
CONCLUSION The GARUDA SHAKTI joint exercise shows the commitment of India and Indonesia to:
  • Counter-terrorism cooperation
  • Defence preparedness
  • Strong bilateral relations
Such exercises prepare forces to handle real-world security challenges together.