The fifth edition of the India–Malaysia joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Scheduled from December 5 to 18, the exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance interoperability between the two armies.
The Indian Army is represented primarily by troops from the DOGRA Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent comprises personnel from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army.
This year’s edition focuses on rehearsing sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with an emphasis on coordinated counter-terrorism responses. The participating troops will train together in a series of tactical drills including cordon-and-search operations, search-and-destroy missions, and heliborne insertion techniques.
The exercise curriculum also includes Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and yoga sessions, aimed at improving physical conditioning and operational readiness.
Key training components involve securing helipads, synchronising joint evacuation procedures for casualties, and refining drills essential during counter-terrorist scenarios. The broader objective is to ensure seamless cooperation that minimises risks to life and property while upholding UN peacekeeping principles.
Both sides will exchange best practices across a wide array of combat skills, enabling mutual learning and strengthening tactical synergy. The exercise is expected to deepen defence collaboration between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army while further cementing bilateral ties between the two nations.
