The 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise, Garuda Shakti, concluded on November 12 at Cijantung, Indonesia, after a successful 12-day training period. The closing ceremony was attended by Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, the Defence Attaché from the Indian Embassy, and Colonel Inf J. S. Aling from the Indonesian Army.
In a post on social media, the Indian Army shared that the exercise has significantly enhanced the capabilities of both countries to conduct joint operations in counter-terrorism environments, focusing on sub-conventional domains. The motto for this year's exercise was "Forging Bonds for a United Future."
A special contingent of 25 Indian Army personnel participated in the exercise alongside 40 members of Indonesia’s Kopassus Special Forces. The joint military training, which took place from November 1 to November 12, was designed to strengthen bilateral military ties and foster collaboration through tactical military drills and discussions.
Both contingents took part in various military training activities, including underwater operations, close-range shooting, and combat exercises in urban and jungle terrains. This year’s edition also aligns with the Indian Army’s "Year of Tech Absorption" initiative, emphasizing technological integration into military operations.
The exercise took place as India and Indonesia celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of India's 'Act East' policy, with Indonesia playing a key role in this strategy.
India was also represented at the inauguration of Indonesia's 8th President, Prabowo Subianto, by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. Her participation underscored India’s commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
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