INDIA- INDONESIA JOINT SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISE  GARUDA SHAKTI COMMENCES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

The 10^th edition of the India– Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI has commenced at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise is being conducted from 03 to 12 December 2025.

The Indian contingent is represented by troops from THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces.

The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of the two nations. Its scope includes troop-level tactics, techniques and procedures in a counter-terrorism environment, covering unarmed combat techniques, combat shooting, sniping, heliborne operations and planning for drone, counter-UAS and loiter-munition strikes in semi-mountainous terrain. The training also features the exchange of expertise and information on weapons, equipment and operational practices.

Designed to emphasise physical fitness, tactical drills and high-intensity combat training, the joint training will culminate in a validation exercise simulating real-world operational scenarios to test the endurance, coordination and combat readiness of both contingents.

The exercise marks a significant step in advancing defence cooperation and further strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.