Indian Army's Special Forces Head to Indonesia for Joint GARUD SHAKTI 24 Exercise

New Delhi, India – A 25-member contingent from the Indian Army has arrivd in Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the 9th edition of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24, a joint Special Forces exercise with Indonesia. The exercise, scheduled from November 1 to November 12, 2024, aims to fortify military cooperation and tactical understanding between the Indian and Indonesian armies.

The Indian team, composed of elite soldiers from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), will join 40 personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces, Kopassus. The joint exercise represents an ongoing effort to foster deeper military ties and improve interoperability between both armies, especially within their Special Forces units. According to an Indian Army statement, Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is designed to facilitate an exchange of advanced operational knowledge and tactical expertise, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Objectives and Scope of GARUD SHAKTI 24 

Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 serves as a collaborative platform, allowing the Indian and Indonesian contingents to familiarize themselves with each other’s operating procedures and advance their understanding of special operations tactics. The joint drills are expected to promote bilateral cooperation through discussions, tactical drills, and rehearsals.

Key areas of focus for GARUD SHAKTI 24 include: 

• Advanced Special Operations: The joint teams will engage in planning and executing complex special operations, with an emphasis on mission-critical skills. 
• Tactical Exchange: Participants will share tactical knowledge on weapons, equipment, innovations, and various techniques to enhance their operational preparedness. 
• Special Forces Skills: Both contingents will receive orientation in advanced Special Forces capabilities, reinforcing their ability to execute diverse missions effectively. 
• Joint Exercises in Jungle Terrain: Focused drills will be conducted to prepare for jungle-based operations, including simulated strikes on hypothetical terrorist camps. 

Highlighted Activities and Bilateral Benefits 

A significant feature of the exercise will be a Validation Exercise, which will test the integration of basic and advanced Special Forces skills, showcasing the capabilities and tactical synergies of both contingents. This exercise segment aims to simulate real-world combat situations, strengthening joint response mechanisms. 

Aside from combat drills, GARUD SHAKTI 24 offers Indian and Indonesian troops an opportunity to share insights into their cultures and day-to-day practices, a unique experience that fosters mutual respect and cooperation.

The exercise is set to provide both countries with a platform to discuss shared security concerns and explore solutions for regional stability. It aims to support a broader security framework, enhancing collaborative readiness and aligning both nations toward shared security goals. 

Strengthening Indo-Indonesian Strategic Ties 

India and Indonesia share a history of robust defense ties and are committed to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 reflects this commitment and underscores the importance of joint military training to respond to mutual threats, with a focus on counter-terrorism and regional security.

Since its inception, GARUD SHAKTI has served as an influential exercise, bridging tactical understanding and strengthening operational cohesion. Both armies anticipate that the continued success of such joint training exercises will lead to even closer cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

As the Indian contingent embarks on its journey to Indonesia, this ninth iteration of GARUD SHAKTI marks another milestone in the long-standing defense partnership between India and Indonesia, reinforcing shared values and commitment toward peace, security, and military readiness in the region.