The fourth edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, began at Bentong camp in Pahang district of Malaysia on Monday. The event, conducted alternatively in India and Malaysia, will continue till December 15.
The exercise aims to boost the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI, which will focus on operations in the jungle environment, will be conducted in two phases. Cross-training between both armies, including lectures, demonstrations, and practices of various drills in jungle terrain, will form the first phase of the exercise. The second phase will be a simulated exercise, wherein troops will execute various drills, including anti-MT ambush, occupation of harbour, carrying out a recce patrol, ambush and an attack on area taken over by the terrorists.
The exercise will foster interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the two armies, and will help both sides share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting joint operations.
The Indian contingent comprising of 78 personnel is represented by a Battalion of Mahar Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent is represented by 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment.
The last edition was conducted in Nov 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India.