India-Malaysia Bilateral Army Exercise Harimau Shakti Deepens Defence Cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The fifth edition of the India-Malaysia Bilateral Army Exercise, Harimau Shakti, was successfully conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR) in Rajasthan, India, reaffirming the strong defence ties between the two nations.
Held from Dec 5 to 18, the joint exercise involved a 65-member contingent of the Malaysian Army, airlifted to India in a military aircraft, with troops participating in intensive training modules, tactical drills, and professional exchanges aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding.
The exercise focused on sub-conventional operations under the United Nations (UN) Chapter VII mandate, with emphasis on counter-terrorism operations, joint patrolling, ambush and counter-ambush drills, heliborne operations, and counter-improvised explosive device (IED) procedures.
The Indian High Commission in Malaysia, in a statement, said Exercise Harimau Shakti provides an effective platform for India and Malaysia to share operational expertise, enhance tactical coordination, and reinforce both countries' commitment to regional security.
“This annual exercise highlights the deepening defence partnership between India and Malaysia and underscores our shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” it added.
Beyond combat drills, participants engaged in Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) demonstrations, combat reflex shooting, weapon handling, and physical conditioning, fostering overall discipline and readiness.
The Indian Army also displayed next-generation weapon systems, providing Malaysian troops with exposure to advanced defence technology and facilitating professional knowledge exchange.
The exercise, conducted alternately in India and Malaysia, has grown in scope and complexity since its inception in 2012. Previous editions were held in Kluang, Johor (2022), Umroi, Assam, India (2023), and Bentong, Pahang (2024).
The next edition is scheduled to be hosted in Malaysia in 2026, continuing the tradition of deepening Malaysia-India defence collaboration and supporting peace and stability in the broader region.
-- BERNAMA
