In News:

The 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti was conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. It is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and Malaysia aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the two armies.

Participating Forces

• India: Troops primarily from the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army
• Malaysia: Soldiers from the 25th Battalion, Royal Malaysian Army

Nature of the Exercise

Exercise Harimau Shakti focuses on Sub-Conventional Operations (SCO) under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which deals with peace enforcement and security operations. The training is designed to simulate counter-terrorism and peacekeeping scenarios in semi-arid and desert terrain.

Key Training Components

The exercise includes joint practice of:

• Cordon and search operations
• Search and destroy missions
• Heliborne operations
• Securing helipads in hostile environments
• Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) drills during combat
• Combat reflex shooting
• Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR)
• Yoga sessions for endurance and mental conditioning

These activities aim to improve tactical coordination, combat readiness, and joint response capability during counter-terrorist and UN peacekeeping missions.

Objectives

• Enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and Royal Malaysian Army
• Share best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare
• Improve joint planning and execution of operations under a UN peace enforcement mandate
• Reduce risks to life and property during complex operations

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens India–Malaysia defence cooperation
• Supports India’s broader engagement with ASEAN nations
• Contributes to regional stability and collaboration in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping
• Promotes mutual trust and professional military exchanges between the two countries