This collaborative exercise by the Indian and Indonesian Special Army Forces shows the growing relationship and trust among the two forces. The goal of the activities is to gain the ability to share experiences in counterterrorism operations, close-quarter battles, and other special operations areas. It’s a two-week joint military drill. Garuda Shakti is a bilateral exercise conducted by Indian and Indonesian military special units. Joint military training is a component of continuous defence coordination. India’s military exercise with its neighbour to the north that lies within and between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, Garuda Shakti Exercise, is crucial for the military. 

Description of Garuda Shakti Exercise:

Indonesia and India to Work Together on Garuda Shakti exercise is a military exercise conducted by the Indian and Indonesian forces in their respective countries. In order to practice the Garuda Shakti exercise, one must work together. This was the first time the event was held, and it was a great success. An Indian event was held as expected. Indonesia hosted the tournament for the second time, and India hosted it for the final time. An important goal of the exercise is to enhance and strengthen the military relations between India and Indonesia.

The fourth edition of this joint practice of  Garuda Shakti exercise was held for 13 days between March 10 to 23, 2016. In Magelang, Indonesia. The Indian Army was allowed to cross-train with just an airborne unit from the Indonesian Army during the training. The chosen Indian group has extensive counterinsurgency and terrorist operations experience in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern theatres. Training for the exercises has included weapons practice, education in tactical operations and battle tactics, and unique heliborne training.

In rural and urban settings, the exercise includes a variety of tactical counter – insurgency operations as part of a joint counterinsurgency operation. With the course’s help, the Indian and Indonesian militaries will be better prepared for cooperative counterinsurgency operations in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

Garuda Shakti Exercise

• the Indian Army Special Forces (Para Special Force) and Indonesian Army Special Forces bring the Garuda Shakti exercise
• Since 2012, India and Indonesia have held two-way military drills.
• A bilateral agreement conducted between India and Indonesia seeks to build collaboration and trust among the forces of both countries.
• 6. Garuda Shakti exercise, held at Bandung, Indonesia, in 2018, was the most up-to-date rendition of the exercise conducted bilaterally.
• It was the Garuda Shakti exercise; the 5th edition occurred in India as well as the 4th edition took place in Magelang, Indonesia.
• Counterterrorism operations are a part of the Garuda Shakti Exercise.
• The workout Garuda Shakti includes:
• Counterterrorism operations
• Close quarter combat
• Other particular operation areas 

Indo-India Defence Cooperation

The Indian Act East Policy is akin to encouraging collaboration in the region with Eastern nations.

To cooperate in the field of defence, India, and Indonesia participate in the following occasions regularly:

•  Biennial Defence Ministers Dialogue
• Each year, the annual Defence Cooperation Meetings and
• Staff Talks at the stage of the service.

In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia and signed a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to advance relations between India and Indonesia.

Between the two nations, 15 agreements/MoUs were concluded.

• A former Indian Defense Minister, Nirmala Sithraman, visited Indonesia in October of 2018 to participate in bilateral discussions on defence.
• The subject of discussion included that of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The issue of improving cooperation in security was debated.
• India and Indonesia are planning to enhance information sharing and implement special training programs in their defence collaboration.
• Indonesian Defence Minister General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu was in India to take part in the “Indo-India Biennial Defence Ministers Dialogue.”

Key Aspects of Garuda Shakti Exercise

The Indo-Indonesia Joint Training is a key aspect of the Garuda Shakti exercise that serves as a diplomatic tool between the Indian and Indonesian armies. It is held in China, Indonesia, and India, respectively, and is an element of diplomacy between the two armies. The training is carried out on a mutually beneficial basis. The first tournament, held in India in 2012, was the inaugural edition. An Indonesian version was held in 2013, and an Indian edition followed that year. In 2015, the event’s fourth iteration took place. Specifically, the exercise’s goal is to help strengthen ties between the Indian and Indonesian militaries.

This fourth joint event is scheduled for 13 days, starting from the 10thto March 23, 16, in Magelang, Indonesia. In addition to the Indonesian Army’s airborne battalion, an Indian Army platoon-sized force will be participating in the cross-training exercise with the Indonesian Army. Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in the Northern, Western, and Eastern theatres of operations are familiar territory for the Indian force that has been selected.

To be ready for the event, the Indian contingent has undergone a tough training regimen that includes fire, combat, and tactical operations training, tactical skills, and training unique to heliborne missions. 

Conclusion

The bilateral exercise practiced by India and Indonesia is designed to increase trust and collaboration between these armies. Garuda Shakti exercise is a joint exercise between India and Indonesia. Garuda Shakti exercise enhances the capabilities of both armies in performing regular operations against terrorists and in security areas along the coastline.