Indian and Indonesian Special Forces have carried out joint live-firing drills in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, during the 11th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti, a bilateral military exercise aimed at improving combat effectiveness, operational readiness and interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.

The exercise began on 27 October and will continue until 6 November. India is represented by personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises troops from the Indonesian Special Forces.

A key phase of the training featured combat marksmanship, transition firing and sniper firing exercises. These activities focused on enhancing precision, speed and accuracy under simulated battlefield conditions, helping troops refine critical combat skills in demanding operational environments.

The exercise has been designed to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen professional cooperation and improve interoperability through intensive joint training and the exchange of operational experience between the two Special Forces units.

A major focus of the training is the conduct of special operations in jungle terrain. Troops are participating in obstacle-crossing drills, combat marksmanship training, mountaineering activities, air assault exercises and combat-hardening sessions tailored to realistic operational requirements.

Both contingents are also exchanging expertise on weapons systems, equipment and operational practices, enabling personnel to gain insights into each other's tactical approaches and procedures.

The exercise will conclude with a validation phase that simulates realistic operational scenarios. This final exercise is intended to test the endurance, coordination and combat readiness of the participating troops while assessing the effectiveness of the training undertaken during the exercise.

Garuda Shakti is expected to further reinforce defence cooperation and strengthen military-to-military relations between India and Indonesia, reflecting the growing strategic importance of bilateral security engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The exercise forms part of a broader effort by both countries to expand their defence and strategic partnership through regular military exchanges, joint exercises, defence technology cooperation, maritime security collaboration and institutional dialogue.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Indonesia from 6 to 8 July 2026, India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations also highlighted the importance of broadening defence cooperation through joint exercises, information sharing, defence research and industrial collaboration.

ANI