The eighth edition of the India-Indonesia bilateral joint training exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’ kicked off at the Sangga Buana training area in west Java’s Karawang earlier this week as both countries took another step forward towards ensuring regional security.

A contingent of Indian Special Forces troops is participating in the comprehensive 13-day training programme with the Indonesian Special Forces.

The joint exercise facilitates both armies to know each other better, share their wide experiences and combat experience on countering terrorist operations, regional security and peacekeeping operations in an international environment.

The exercise, yet another significant milestone in ensuring cordial relations between the two countries, comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country and his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

It aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of both armies. The scope of the joint exercise includes orientation to advance special forces skills, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques and procedures and lessons learnt from various operations undertaken.

The two forces also gain experience from operations in jungle terrain, strikes on terrorist camps and a validation exercise integrating basic and advanced special forces skills apart from getting an insight into the lifestyle and culture of both countries to foster military cooperation.

The joint training would also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures for which a comprehensive programme has been worked out. The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour-long validation exercise.

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