The Indian Army Special Forces and their Indonesian counterparts are currently participating in the eighth edition of the bilateral military exercise called ‘Garuda Shakti’. The exercise, which began on November 21, 2022, is taking place in Karawang, Indonesia.
Understanding Garuda Shakti
Garuda Shakti is a military exercise that plays a significant role in strengthening the ties between the Indian and Indonesian Special Forces. The principal aim of this exercise is to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between both armies’ special forces. It provides a platform for them to get to know each other better and share their broad range of experiences, including combat experiences aimed at countering terrorist operations.
Significance of the Exercise
Garuda Shakti is not just an army exercise; it carries significant importance in ensuring cordial relations between the two participating nations. The joint exercise allows both armies to learn from each other’s experiences in handling regional security operations and conducting peace-keeping operations within an international landscape. This mutual learning experience acts as a stepping stone towards maintaining stability in the region, further highlighting the significance of the exercise.
Other Bilateral Military Exercises
In addition to Garuda Shakti, India is involved in several other bilateral military exercises with different countries. Each of these exercises aims to fortify relations and mutual understandings through military cooperation. The list of exercises includes:
– MAITREE: A joint military exercise between India and Thailand.
– Ekuverin: A partnered event between the Indian army and the Maldives.
– Hand-in-Hand: A collaborative endeavor between India and China.
– Mitra Shakti: This exercise involves the Indian army and its Sri Lankan counterpart.
– Harimau Shakti: A joint military exercise between India and Malaysia.
– Kurukshetra: A mutually beneficial exercise involving India and Singapore.
– Nomadic Elephant: Mongolia and India jointly undertake this exercise.
– Shakti: This is a joint endeavor between the Indian army and the French military.
– Surya Kiran: An event that sees the cooperation of Nepal and India’s armies.
– Yudh Abhyas: This exercise is a joint mission between India and the US.
All these exercises, including Garuda Shakti, play a crucial role in enhancing the relationship between the participating countries. They provide an opportunity for mutual learning, increased understanding, and shared experiences, contributing to the overall peace and stability of the region.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
