The 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garuda Shakti concluded on November 12 at Mokopassus in Cijantung, Indonesia, with the closing ceremony attended by senior military officials from both countries.
Sandeep Chakravorty, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy, and Colonel Inf J. S. Aling of the Indonesian Army were present at the event.
In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army said, “Exercise Garud Shakti has enabled both the contingents to enhance their capabilities to conduct joint military operations in Counter Terrorism environment in sub conventional domain. “Forging Bonds for a United Future.”
The Garuda Shakti exercise, which started on November 1, was designed to enhance bilateral military cooperation and strengthen the bonds between the two nations’ armed forces. An Indian Army Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of 25 personnel participated alongside 40 Indonesian personnel from the elite Kopassus Special Forces.
The exercise involved intensive tactical drills, including underwater training, close-range shooting, and operations in both urban and jungle terrain. These activities allowed both armies to share best practices, furthering their interoperability in complex combat scenarios.
In a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the joint exercise was described as an opportunity for both forces to rehearse various military techniques and discuss strategies to combat emerging threats, particularly in counter-terrorism operations.
The collaboration between India and Indonesia, both major regional powers, underscores the strong defence ties between the two nations. This exercise is particularly significant as 2024 marks the “Year of Tech Absorption” for the Indian Army, further deepening technological cooperation between the two countries.
India and Indonesia are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, alongside a decade of India’s Act East policy, which recognizes Indonesia as a key pillar. The culmination of Garuda Shakti comes shortly after the inauguration of Indonesia’s 8th President, Prabowo Subianto, and serves to further solidify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at the inauguration ceremony. MEA said in a statement that Margherita’s participation reaffirms India’s commitment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.
(Inputs from ANI)