India-Malaysia Joint Military Drill Begins

• 03 Dec 2024

The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia joint military exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on 2nd December 2024, at Bentong Camp in Malaysia's Pahang district.

• Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI is an annual joint military training event conducted alternately in India and Malaysia, with this year’s edition running from December 2 to 15, 2024.
• The Indian contingent comprises 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment, while the Malaysian side includes 123 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment.
• The primary aim of the exercise is to strengthen the joint military capability of both nations to conduct counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
• Training will be conducted in two phases: cross-training sessions featuring lectures, demonstrations, and jungle terrain drills, followed by a simulated exercise in the final phase.
• Key drills include Anti-MT Ambush, Harbour Occupation, Reconnaissance Patrols, Ambush Strategies, and coordinated attacks on terrorist-held areas.
• The exercise serves as a platform for both armies to exchange best practices and enhance interoperability, camaraderie, and tactical understanding.
• This collaboration underscores the growing defence cooperation and bilateral ties between India and Malaysia, fostering mutual trust and friendship.