India, Malaysia begin military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ in Rajasthan

• The fifth edition of the joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ between the troops of India and Malaysia began at Mahajan Field Firing Range on December 5.

• It will conclude on December 18.

• Exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ is an annual training event between the Indian and Malaysian Army which has been conducted since 2012.

• The Indian contingent is being represented mainly by troops from the Dogra Regiment. 

• The Malaysian side is being represented by troops from the 25th Battalion Royal Malaysian Army.

• During the exercise, both sides will rehearse drills to secure helipads and undertake casualty evacuation during counter-terrorist operations. 

• The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. 

• The scope of the exercise includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. 

• Both sides will practise tactical actions such as cordon, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, etc. 

Other bilateral exercises with Malaysia:

• Exercise Udarashakti - Air exercise

• Samudra Laksamana - Naval exercise.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)