Garuda Shakti IV: India-Indonesia Joint Exercise

Hello, Warriors! The India-Indonesia joint training exercise ‘Garuda Shakti IV’ began at Military Training Area at Magelang in Indonesia on 10^th March, 2016. This is the fourth edition of the exercise between India and Indonesia. Continuing for 13 days, Exercise Garuda Shakti IV will conclude on 23^rd March, 2016 at Magelang.

Here are 10 things you need to know about ‘Exercise Garuda Shakti IV’:

1. Indo-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda Shakti is conducted as part of military diplomacy between armies of both countries, alternatively in India and Indonesia respectively. The first edition bilateral exercise was conducted on a reciprocal basis in 2012 in India. The second edition was conducted in Indonesia in 2013 and third in India in 2014.
2. In the 4th edition of the joint exercise Indian Army platoon strength contingent will carry out cross training with a platoon from the airborne battalion of the Indonesian Army. The Indian Contingent has been trained for combat conditioning, firing, tactical operations, tactical skills and special heliborne operations training.
3. The Indian contingent comprised platoon sized troops of an Infantry battalion under Southern Command theatre and the Indonesian Army the 503 Airborne Battalion of the TNI –AD.
4. Selected Indian unit has had varied operational experience in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist operations in the Northern, Western and Eastern theatres.
5. The exercise will be conducted as joint Counter Insurgency operations exercise in urban and rural scenario and various facets of tactical Counter Insurgency operations (CIO).
6. Both countries will share their experience of CIO and also the ambit of identifying areas of expertise, evolution of combat tactical drills of tactical and to undertake combined training for neutralization of insurgency threat.
7. The contingents of both the Armies conducted a ceremonial parade during the opening ceremony where national flags of both nations were marched in. The event was witnessed by senior ranked officers of both the countries.
8. The ceremony has opened another chapter in enhancing ties between Indian and Indonesian Army. The opening ceremony showcased the dedication and commitment towards joint training and the will to share expertise gained in combat by both the armies.
9. Post the ceremony the Indian Army troops were oriented to the terrain and tactical aspects of training.
10. The operational part of the exercise commenced with individual Armies training in respective countries and this would translate in exchange of expertise during the Joint Training Exercise in Indonesia.

The aim of the exercise is to build and promote positive relations between both the armies and to enhance their ability to undertake joint tactical level operations in a Counter Insurgency environment under United Nations Charter. The scope of exercise also includes identifying areas of expertise/ specialization of each other, evolution of combat tactical drills for conduct of tactical Counter Insurgency operations and to undertake combined training for neutralization of insurgency threat.