Exercise ‘Garud Shakti’ Begins

An Indian Army contingent of 25 personnel departed for Indonesia. They are participating in the 9th edition of the joint exercise named ‘Garud Shakti 24’. This event is taking place in Cijantung, Jakarta, from November 1 to November 12. The exercise marks the strong defence cooperation between India and Indonesia.

Purpose of the Exercise

The primary aim of Garud Shakti is to enhance bilateral military cooperation. It focuses on strengthening the bond between the Indian and Indonesian armies. The exercise involves discussions and rehearsals of tactical military drills.

Participants

The Indian contingent consists of troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). The Indonesian side is represented by 40 personnel from their Special Forces unit, known as Kopassus. This collaboration showcases the commitment of both nations to work together in defence matters.

Key Objectives

The joint exercise has several key objectives:

• Familiarisation with each other’s operating procedures.
• Enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Improving interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies.

Activities Involved

The exercise involves a variety of activities, including:

• Planning and executing special operations.
• Orientation to advanced special forces skills.
• Sharing information on weapons, equipment, and tactics.

Focus on Jungle Operations

An aspect of Garud Shakti is the practice of Jungle Forces Operations. This includes:

• Conducting operations in jungle terrain.
• Strikes on terrorist camps.
• Validation exercises that integrate both basic and advanced special skills.

The exercise also aims to promote cultural understanding. Troops will gain insight into the lifestyle and culture of both countries. This encourages stronger military cooperation beyond just tactical training.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

On October 24n External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. This meeting occurred during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. They discussed strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.

Significance of Defence Cooperation

The Garud Shakti exercise is a testament to the growing defence ties between India and Indonesia. It reflects a shared commitment to regional security. Joint exercises like this enhance preparedness against common threats.

Future Prospects

As both nations continue to engage in military exercises, the potential for deeper cooperation increases. Future exercises may focus on more complex scenarios. This ongoing partnership is crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Garud Shakti exercise is a vital step in the evolving defence relationship between India and Indonesia. Through joint training and cultural exchange, both nations aim to build a robust framework for future cooperation.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2024

Category: Defence Current Affairs