The joint military exercise aims at improving communication, teamwork, and interoperability between the special forces of the two countries

Continuing with their military-to-military exchange programme, Indian Army’s Special Forces and Indonesian Army’s Special Forces have begun their 13-day ‘Garuda Shakti’ joint exercise at Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang in Indonesia from November 21, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday. This is the eighth edition of Garuda Shakti joint exercise.

Taking to Twitter, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote: “India-Indonesia Joint #SpecialForces Exercise #GarudShakti 2022 commenced at #Cilodong, #Indonesia with focus on Counter-Terrorism operations, Close Combat Battle & Marksmanship training. #IndiaIndonesiaFriendship #IndianArmy.”

The scope of the joint exercise includes orientation to advance special forces skills, sharing of information on weapon, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures and lessons learnt from various operations undertaken, Special Forces Operations in Jungle terrain, strikes on terrorist camps and a validation exercise integrating basic and advance special forces skills apart from gaining an insight into the lifestyle and culture of both countries to foster military cooperation, the Ministry said.

The joint military exercise will also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques, and procedures for which a comprehensive 13-day training programme has been worked out, the Ministry added.

The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour long validation exercise. The joint exercise will facilitate both armies to know each other better, and share their wide experiences and combat experience on countering terrorist operations, Regional Security Operations & Peace Keeping Operations in an international environment.

The joint military exercise is yet another significant milestone in ensuring cordial relations between the two countries and another step forward towards ensuring regional security.