The troops of the Indian and Malaysian armies are learning tricks of jungle warfare as part of the joint exercise 'Harimau Shakti 2018' in Kuala Lumpur.
This is the first ever bilateral military exercise between the two armies, which will enable mutual capacity enhancement, and assist in building strong friendship and cooperation between India and Malaysia in the future.
During first phase of the two-week long exercise, Malaysian Army's combat engineers exchanged their expertise on chemical warfare and protection from chemical agents in jungle warfare, with combat engineer team from engineer regiment of Indian Army.
The two armies will also share techniques of construction of traps for survival in the forests at Wardieburn camp in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian soldiers have taught survival techniques like lighting fire from the resources available in a jungle to their Indian counterparts.
"As part of the exercise, Indian Army combat engineers and Malaysian Army combat engineers carried out practical training on individual protection equipment to fight in chemical warfare scenario during counter insurgency operations in jungles," said an officer.
Indian Army is largely deployed for counter-insurgency operations in urban areas or semi urban areas, deserts, and plains. They hardy have any exposure to thick jungle operations.
Four Grenadiers from the Indian Army are participating in the joint training exercise, which will be concluded on 13 May, while one Royal Malay Regiment is from Malaysia. As part of the cross training phase of the exercise, the Indian Army contingent was introduced to the US-made M4 A1 assault rifle of Malaysian Army, and a firing practice with the weapon was organised at Firing Range 'A' at Sungai Besi Military Camp, Kuala Lumpur. M4 carbine is widely regarded as the best weapon in its segment with highest user satisfaction and weapon performance.
"This practice enabled the Indian contingent to get acquainted with the weapon and use the same to practice battle inoculation. Conditions akin to the field challenges were simulated using smoke grenades," an officer added.
A statement by the Indian Army said both the armies stand to hone their tactical and technical skills in counter-insurgency and counter- terrorist operations under the UN mandate. "Due emphasis will be laid on increasing inter-operability between forces, which is crucial for success of any joint operation," the statement said.