Indian Army Departs for 9th Edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 skilled personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), recently embarked on a journey to Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to participate in the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise, GARUD SHAKTI 24. Scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 12, 2024, this exercise is a testament to the strong military cooperation and shared strategic interests between India and Indonesia.

The event, which brings together some of the best military minds from both nations, aims to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two armies. With a focus on developing tactical military skills and strengthening bilateral relations, Exercise GARUD SHAKTI serves as a crucial platform for India and Indonesia to achieve common security goals in the Indo-Pacific region.

Participants and Contingent Details

In the 9th edition of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI, the Indian contingent is represented by elite troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), known for their capability in unconventional warfare, agility, and resilience. On the other side, Indonesia’s Special Forces unit, Kopassus, comprising 40 personnel, will represent the Indonesian Army. Kopassus, with its rich history of counter-terrorism operations and strategic skills, shares common operational practices with India’s Special Forces, setting the foundation for a meaningful and productive exchange.

Key Objectives of GARUD SHAKTI 24: Enhancing Interoperability and Tactical Readiness

The primary objective of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is to enhance bilateral military cooperation by acquainting each side with the other’s operating procedures, techniques, and tactical approaches. The exercise aims to develop mutual understanding, operational coordination, and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. As a collaborative effort, GARUD SHAKTI 24 will promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, and strategic insights, enabling both countries to be better prepared for future joint missions.

Focus on Joint Planning and Execution of Special Operations

During the two-week exercise, both contingents will engage in an intensive schedule designed to strengthen their tactical and operational skills. Key aspects of GARUD SHAKTI 24 include:

1. Joint Planning and Execution of Special Operations: Both sides will collaborate on mission planning, ensuring a streamlined approach to executing coordinated special operations in high-risk environments.
2. Enhancement of Advanced Special Forces Skills: The exercise will include training sessions focused on honing advanced skills such as precision targeting, combat in jungle terrain, and rapid infiltration. These skills will help the forces operate more effectively in diverse and challenging scenarios.
3. Exchange of Knowledge on Weapons and Equipment: The two armies will share insights on the latest weapons, equipment, and tactical innovations. This exchange provides both forces with exposure to each other’s tools and technologies, enhancing their overall preparedness and adaptability.
4. Orientation to Tactical Techniques and Procedures: Special attention will be given to tactics, techniques, and procedures unique to each force, with the goal of harmonizing these practices for future joint missions. The emphasis will be on achieving greater efficiency in the field.
5. Conduct of a Validation Exercise: As part of the training, the contingents will participate in a Validation Exercise, testing their ability to integrate basic and advanced skills acquired during GARUD SHAKTI 24. This final exercise will validate the effectiveness of their training, ensuring they are ready for complex missions.

Special Operations in Jungle Terrain and Counter-Terrorism Drills

One of the core elements of GARUD SHAKTI 24 is the focus on conducting Special Forces operations in jungle terrain. Both forces will practice strategies for navigating dense forests, which are typical of many operational areas in Indonesia and parts of India. These exercises will prepare the personnel for rapid-response operations in such challenging environments. Additionally, the troops will rehearse strikes on simulated terrorist camps to refine their counter-terrorism tactics and test their response to real-world threats, adding a vital counter-terrorism dimension to the joint training.

Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding and Military Cooperation

Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is designed not only for operational training but also as a platform to deepen the bond between the two armies through a shared cultural experience. The contingent members will gain valuable insights into each other’s lifestyles, traditions, and values, which is crucial for fostering long-lasting cooperation. Such exchanges encourage an understanding that goes beyond military collaboration, nurturing camaraderie and respect between the two nations.

Strengthening India-Indonesia Relations through Shared Security Goals

As two influential nations in the Indo-Pacific region, India and Indonesia share a mutual interest in securing their borders, ensuring regional stability, and protecting their sovereignty. Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 serves as a critical step in fulfilling these shared security objectives. By collaborating in special operations and counter-terrorism efforts, both countries aim to improve their response capabilities to potential security threats in the region.