India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’

Why in the news?

Recently the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti started at Bentong Camp in Malaysia.
It will be held from 2 December to 15 December 2024.
The Indian contingent is represented by a battalion of the Mahar Regiment.
This exercise will focus on operations in the jungle environment.
This exercise will be conducted in two phases
- The first phase will focus on cross training between the two armies, including lectures, demonstrations and various exercises in jungle areas.
- In the second phase, both the armies will actively participate in a mock exercise, in which the soldiers will conduct various exercises including anti-MT ambush, port capture, reconnaissance patrol, ambush and attack on the area occupied by terrorists.

Benefits:

Harimau Shakti exercise will provide an opportunity to both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting joint operations.
This will help in developing interoperability and camaraderie between the two armies.
The joint exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, which will further enhance bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

It is an annual training event.
It started in the year 2012.
It is held alternately in India and Malaysia.
The last edition was held in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India.
It aims to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to conduct counter-terrorism operations in the jungle area under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

1. Peninsular Malaysia – located at the southern end of the mainland Asian continent
2. East Malaysia – located on the island of Borneo