Both army troops go through intensive training to enhance interoperability and combat preparedness at recently concluded Harimau Shakti bilateral exercise in Rajasthan
PETALING JAYA: India and Malaysia have wrapped up the fifth edition of their bilateral army exercise, Harimau Shakti, sending a strong signal of deepening defence ties and shared commitment to regional security amid growing Indo-Pacific challenges.
Held from Dec 5 to 18 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, the exercise involved a 65-member contingent from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army, airlifted to India aboard a service aircraft. The Indian Army contingent was drawn primarily from the Dogra Regiment.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia said troops from both armies underwent intensive and structured training aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding through a series of tactical drills, professional exchanges and field exercises conducted under realistic conditions.
“The training focused on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations Chapter VII mandate, with particular emphasis on counter-terrorism operations,” the statement said.
Key components of the exercise included joint patrolling, ambush and counter-ambush drills, heliborne operations and counter–improvised explosive device procedures. Troops also carried out raid and search-and-destroy missions, as well as securing key locations such as helipads in simulated hostile environments.
Command post exercises and field training scenarios enabled both contingents to rehearse operational planning, decision-making and execution in simulated counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism settings. These activities sharpened small-unit tactics and improved coordination during joint operations.
Beyond combat-oriented training, the exercise also featured Army Martial Arts Routine demonstrations, combat reflex shooting, weapon-handling drills and physical conditioning activities, including yoga sessions.
The Indian army showcased a range of weapons and equipment, including next-generation weapon systems and drone-related capabilities, allowing Malaysian personnel to gain exposure to emerging technologies and evolving battlefield concepts.
Senior military officials from both sides described Harimau Shakti as a vital platform for sharing best practices, enhancing mutual trust and strengthening combined operational readiness.
According to the Indian High Commission, the successful conduct of the exercise reflected growing strategic confidence between India and Malaysia as well as their shared objective of contributing to security and stability in the region, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise Harimau Shakti is an annual bilateral engagement conducted alternately in India and Malaysia.
The second edition was held in Johor in November 2022, followed by the third in the hilly terrain of Umroi, Assam in October 2023.
The fourth edition took place at Bentong Camp in Pahang in December 2024, with a focus on jungle warfare.
The next edition of exercise is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in next year.
