New Delhi, October 25, 2026: An Indian Army contingent comprising Special Forces personnel has departed for Banyuwangi, Indonesia, to participate in the 12th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026, a bilateral military exercise aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and operational coordination between India and Indonesia.
The exercise will bring together Special Forces personnel from both countries to enhance interoperability, improve combat readiness and exchange expertise in conducting special operations in challenging jungle environments.
Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026 will focus on the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) associated with special operations, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios. The participating troops will have an opportunity to share operational experiences, learn from each other’s training methodologies and develop a better understanding of their respective military procedures.
Jungle warfare presents unique operational challenges, including dense vegetation, difficult terrain, restricted visibility and demanding climatic conditions. Training in such environments is particularly important for Special Forces units, which are required to conduct complex missions with precision, adaptability and close coordination.
The bilateral exercise is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and professional cooperation between the Indian Army and the Indonesian military while enhancing their ability to operate effectively in challenging tactical environments.
Exercise Garuda Shakti is an important component of the growing defence relationship between India and Indonesia. The recurring military engagement provides a platform for both nations to exchange operational knowledge, strengthen military-to-military ties and promote cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
The 12th edition of the exercise reflects the continued commitment of India and Indonesia to deepening their strategic partnership through joint military training and professional exchanges.
The participation of Indian Army Special Forces in Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026 also underscores India’s emphasis on strengthening defence engagement with Southeast Asian nations and enhancing regional security cooperation.
