Table of Contents
India–Malaysia Launch 5th Military Exercise in Rajasthan
Overview
- Exercise start: This joint training started on 5 December 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.
- Location detail: The exercise is happening in the desert area of Bikaner, Rajasthan.
- Duration period: It will run from 5 to 18 December 2025.
- Bilateral nature: It is a combined training between the armies of India and Malaysia.
Purpose and strategic intent
- Main aim: To help both armies learn to work together during anti-terror missions.
- UN focus: To prepare soldiers for peacekeeping duties under the United Nations.
- Best practices: To share good methods and smart ways of handling different situations.
- Strategic ties: To make the defence relationship between India and Malaysia stronger.
- Command synergy: To improve how officers plan and carry out operations together.
Participating units and composition
- Indian troops: Indian Army soldiers are mainly from the Dogra Regiment.
- Malaysian troops: Malaysian Army soldiers are from the 25th Battalion.
- Team structure: Groups are formed from platoon level up to company level for training.
- Observer group: Experts and trainers are also present to guide and supervise the activities.
Major exercise themes and training modules
- Sub-con ops: Soldiers practise search operations and other tasks used in anti-terror work.
- Urban drills: They train to move inside buildings and handle close-range fighting.
- Heliborne tasks: Troops learn how to get in and out of helicopters safely and protect landing spots.
- Combat skills: Training includes army martial arts, fast-reaction shooting and live-fire sessions.
- Medical coordination: Both sides practise how to rescue injured soldiers and give quick medical help.
- Cultural bonding: Activities like yoga and discussion sessions help soldiers understand each other better.
Expected outcomes and diplomatic significance
- Better interoperability: Both armies will find it easier to work together in the future.
- Knowledge gain: Each side will learn new methods and skills useful in the field.
- Peacekeeping value: Training improves their preparation for UN peace missions.
- Stronger ties: This exercise helps build long-lasting friendship between the two countries.
- Indo-Pacific role: It also shows teamwork and cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Local setting and logistics
- Terrain choice: The desert setting gives a real and challenging place for practice.
- Range facility: The Mahajan Range allows live shooting and large movement exercises.
- Logistics setup: Proper arrangements are made for stay, equipment and transport.
- Safety protocols: All activities follow strict safety rules to protect the soldiers.
Important Questions
- What was the main objective of the 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti conducted by the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army in Rajasthan?
- Which Indian Army regiment and which Malaysian Army battalion participated in Exercise Harimau Shakti at the Mahajan Field Firing Range?
- What training activities, such as urban drills, heliborne tasks and medical evacuation practice, were included in Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025?
- How does Exercise Harimau Shakti help the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army prepare for United Nations peacekeeping missions?
- Why is the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner considered an appropriate location for large-scale military exercises like Harimau Shakti?
Conclusion
Exercise Harimau Shakti shows how India and Malaysia are working closely to build stronger military cooperation and prepare their soldiers for real-life situations. Through joint training, shared skills and teamwork, both armies improve their readiness for counter-terror operations and peacekeeping duties. The exercise also helps create trust, better understanding and long-term friendship between the two nations, contributing to stability in the wider region.
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