India, Malaysia begin joint military exercise in Rajasthan

New Delhi, Dec 5: India and Malaysia on Friday launched the fifth edition of their joint military training exercise, Harimau Shakti–2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

The two-week drill, being held from December 5 to 18, aims to deepen cooperation and enhance interoperability between the armies of both countries.

The Indian Army is represented by troops of the DOGRA Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent comprises soldiers from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army.

According to the Army, the exercise is focused on joint rehearsals for sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate, with an emphasis on coordinated responses during counter-terrorism operations.

The training module includes cordon-and-search missions, destroy operations, heliborne insertion, and other tactical manoeuvres.

Personnel from both sides will also undertake Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and yoga as part of the curriculum.

A key component of the exercise involves practising procedures to secure helipads and conduct casualty evacuation during counter-terrorist operations.

The Army said the joint drills aim to build a higher degree of operating synergy while prioritising the protection of life and property in peacekeeping scenarios aligned with UN objectives.

Troops will exchange best practices across a broad spectrum of combat skills, helping both sides learn from each other’s operational experience.