The 9th edition of the joint military exercise, Garud Shakti 24, has commenced, marking a milestone in India-Indonesia defence cooperation. A contingent of 25 personnel from the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) has departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, where they will join 40 members of Kopassus, the Special Forces unit of the Indonesian Army. Taking place from November 1 to November 12, this exercise underscores the growing defence partnership between India and Indonesia as they work together to improve military tactics and strategic interoperability.
Purpose and Key Objectives of Garud Shakti 24
The primary goal of Garud Shakti is to enhance bilateral military cooperation. This year’s event seeks to build trust and operational synergy between the Indian and Indonesian armed forces, fostering a mutual understanding of tactical protocols and strengthening regional security ties.
Key Objectives of Garud Shakti 24
- Familiarization with Operating Procedures: Garud Shakti aims to build familiarity between both armies by sharing tactical approaches and field practices, crucial for cohesive operations.
- Enhancing Interoperability: By practicing joint drills, the armies strive to develop smooth interoperability in various operational scenarios, a necessity in regional security cooperation.
- Improving Tactical Coordination: Exercises will focus on strategic coordination, allowing both sides to hone skills for specific situations, from jungle operations to special missions.
Promoting Cross-Cultural Exchange
Beyond its military goals, Garud Shakti 24 promotes a greater understanding of cultural values and lifestyles between the two nations. This exercise encourages the Indian and Indonesian troops to learn from each other’s customs, traditions, and values, which enriches the partnership beyond just military operations.
Participants: Elite Special Forces from India and Indonesia
The Indian contingent comprises elite personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), known for their expertise in specialized operations and tactical maneuvers. Indonesia is represented by Kopassus, its highly skilled Special Forces unit, who bring in-depth knowledge of the Indonesian terrain and jungle warfare tactics.
Activities in Garud Shakti 24
The Garud Shakti 24 exercise covers a wide range of joint training activities designed to improve special operations proficiency and cross-training on advanced military techniques.
Core Activities and Focus Areas
- Special Operations Training: Both contingents engage in special operations drills, encompassing the planning and execution of high-stakes missions.
- Weapons and Equipment Orientation: Soldiers from both sides share their knowledge and experience with various weapons, tactical gear, and equipment, increasing familiarity with each other’s arsenals.
- Advanced Jungle Warfare Skills: Jungle operations, a highlight of the exercise, prepare the troops for conducting missions in dense terrain, often challenging due to natural cover and environmental factors.
- Terrorist Camp Strikes: Simulated strikes on terrorist camps offer real-time practice in carrying out targeted missions, enhancing anti-terror preparedness.
- Validation Exercises: These include integrated exercises that combine basic and advanced special forces skills, refining overall tactics and coordination in complex scenarios.
Special Focus: Jungle Warfare Operations
Jungle Forces Operations remain a central part of Garud Shakti. Both contingents will participate in exercises that mimic combat situations within jungle terrain, covering the following aspects:
- Jungle Terrain Navigation: Training troops to maneuver through thick forests, a skill essential for counterinsurgency missions.
- Camouflage and Concealment: Teaching troops how to utilize natural cover effectively, crucial for evading detection in dense environments.
- Simulated Counter-Terrorist Operations: Both armies will simulate strikes on mock terrorist encampments, practicing precision and speed for real-world application.
Enhancing Regional Security Through Jungle Warfare Expertise
The Jungle Warfare Operations in Garud Shakti reinforce each nation’s ability to operate efficiently in dense forested terrains, a skill vital in regions vulnerable to insurgencies. By mastering these techniques together, India and Indonesia contribute to regional security, especially in areas facing non-traditional threats like terrorism.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: Recent Engagements
Defence cooperation between India and Indonesia has been reinforced by recent diplomatic meetings. On October 24, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. The discussion focused on bolstering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. This partnership encompasses economic, security, and cultural cooperation, highlighting the multi-dimensional relationship between India and Indonesia.
Importance of Defence Cooperation: The Role of Garud Shakti
The Garud Shakti exercise symbolizes a deep-rooted commitment to defence cooperation between India and Indonesia. In an era of increasing security challenges, joint exercises are essential to prepare both nations for potential conflicts and improve crisis response capabilities.
Addressing Common Threats
The Indo-Pacific region faces numerous security challenges, including territorial disputes and maritime concerns. By engaging in Garud Shakti, both nations reaffirm their dedication to tackling common threats. Joint preparedness enhances their ability to respond to evolving security dynamics, making it clear that cooperation is key to maintaining stability in the region.
Garud Shakti is only one aspect of India and Indonesia’s ongoing military partnership. As both countries deepen their strategic ties, future exercises could include more advanced, complex scenarios. These might focus on urban combat, cyber warfare, and combined naval operations, reflecting a growing commitment to regional security collaboration.
Toward a Stronger Indo-Pacific Alliance
Given the rising strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, India and Indonesia’s cooperation serves as a model for other nations seeking security partnerships. Through joint military exercises like Garud Shakti, both countries are laying the foundation for a stronger, more stable Indo-Pacific alliance.
The Garud Shakti 24 joint military exercise highlights the strengthening defence relationship between India and Indonesia. This year’s focus on special operations and jungle warfare tactics enhances both countries’ tactical abilities and reinforces their commitment to regional security. With additional diplomatic engagements paving the way for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the defence cooperation between India and Indonesia is poised to grow further.