Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026: India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Begins

The 11th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti, a bilateral Special Forces exercise involving India and Indonesia, started in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on 27 October 2026. It was planned to be held until 6 November. The exercise is carried out by personnel of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of India’s Army and Indonesia’s Special Forces. This exercise aims at increasing interoperability, exchange operational experience and develop bilateral defense relations in special operations in jungle areas.

What is Exercise Garuda Shakti?

Exercise Garuda Shakti is a bilateral military exercise that includes the Special Forces of India and Indonesia. This exercise is meant to develop cooperation, understanding, and operational coordination between the forces of the two countries.

The exercise gives the contingents a chance to exchange the tactics, techniques, procedures, and experiences of their operations.

Characteristics of Garuda Shakti 2026

Forces Participating

• India: Soldiers of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of the Indian Army
• Indonesia: Soldiers of the Indonesian Special Forces

Training Exercises

This exercise will consist of special forces operations training that will take place in the jungle, where dense vegetation and movement restrictions may affect military operations. Such as,

• Training Exercise
• Jungle warfare
• Obstacle clearance
• Combat marksmanship
• Mountaineering
• Air assault training
• Combat hardening training
• Expert exchange

The validation exercise will comprise of practical operational exercises. This exercise will test the endurance and combat readiness of the contingents.

Why Is Exercise Garuda Shakti Significant?

1. Building Up Military Interoperability

Interoperability is the capacity for effective cooperation among the military forces from various nations. Joint training helps soldiers learn how each force operates, communicates, and acts tactically.

2. Developing Special Operations

Exercise in the jungle provides the troops with experience in maneuvering, coordinating, and making tactical decisions in difficult terrain. Sharing experience also ensures that both contingents learn from each other.

3. Enhancing India-Indonesia Defense Relationship

Exercises are part of the larger engagement of India with Indonesia in the Indo-Pacific region. Military cooperation leads to mutual trust and better bilateral relations.