A significant joint military exercise, Harimau Shakti 2024, is set to unfold between India and Malaysia from December 2 to December 15 at Bentong Camp, located near Kuala Lumpur. The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) announced this event, emphasizing its importance in enhancing cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.
The military exercise this year carries the theme “Two nations, one mission: Ensuring global peace,” which reflects the commitment both nations share towards maintaining stability and security on a global scale. According to the ADGPI, the primary objective of Harimau Shakti is to boost interoperability between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army specifically for sub-conventional operations conducted under a United Nations mandate.
In 2023, the previous iteration of Harimau Shakti took place in India, specifically at the Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. During that exercise, the Malaysian Army was represented by the 5th Royal Battalion, while the Indian contingent included a battalion from the Rajput Regiment. Such military exercises signify not only a robust defense partnership but also serve as a platform to strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Malaysia.
In addition to Harimau Shakti, another crucial military collaboration has recently concluded: the 13th edition of Agni Warrior 2024, a joint exercise between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces. Held at the Field Firing Ranges in Devlali, Maharashtra, this three-day exercise featured a contingent of 182 Singaporean personnel from the Singapore Artillery and 114 personnel from India’s artillery regiment. Its goals included maximizing mutual understanding of operational drills and facilitating jointness as a multinational force under the auspices of the United Nations Charter.
The event showcased advanced capabilities in joint firepower planning and execution, along with the integration of new-generation equipment, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to advancing military effectiveness and collaborative defense measures. High-ranking officials attended the exercise, including Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery; Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant of the School of Artillery; and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.
These military exercises, both Harimau Shakti and Agni Warrior, exemplify the growing defense cooperation among India, Malaysia, and Singapore, pivotal in countering shared security challenges and enhancing regional stability.
