Rajasthan: India and Malaysia have successfully concluded the fifth edition of their flagship bilateral military exercise, Exercise Harimau Shakti – 2025, held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, India.
The closing ceremony witnessed the culmination of two weeks of intensive joint military training aimed at enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual trust between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army. The exercise underscores the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations and reflects their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
Background of Harimau Shakti 2025
Exercise Harimau Shakti is a bilateral military training initiative between India and Malaysia that began in 2012, alternating between the two countries.
It is designed to strengthen cooperation in sub-conventional military operations and counter-terrorism scenarios under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate — which allows collective action to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Over the years, Harimau Shakti has become a key pillar of defence engagement between New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur, reflecting the strategic importance both nations attach to defence diplomacy and joint readiness.
Strategic Significance of Harimau Shakti 2025
India’s participation with Malaysia in Harimau Shakti aligns with its broader Act East Policy, which aims to expand strategic partnerships across Southeast Asia.
The exercise not only enhances military proficiency but also reinforces multilateral peacekeeping frameworks and regional security cooperation.
Malaysia, a key member of ASEAN, shares common objectives with India in combating terrorism and stabilizing South and Southeast Asian theaters — making this exercise significant for bilateral defence alignment and broader Indo-Pacific stability.
Rajasthan Hosts the Fifth Edition of Harimau Shakti
The fifth edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti commenced on December 5, 2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range — a premier defence training facility in the Indian state of Rajasthan known for its varied terrain and capacity to host large-scale military drills.
The exercise was scheduled to run through December 18, 2025, but its core operational drills and activities were conducted intensively through early December, concluding with the official closing ceremony on December 19, 2025.
Participating Forces
The Indian Army was primarily represented by troops from the Dogra Regiment, a distinguished infantry regiment with a rich operational legacy.
The Malaysian contingent included personnel from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army. Both contingents brought unique tactical expertise and operational experience, contributing to a comprehensive training environment that simulated realistic security challenges.
Core Objectives of the Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025
Exercise Harimau Shakti has several strategic objectives designed to improve joint operational performance:
1. Enhancing Interoperability
The core aim was to develop cohesive action plans and improve tactical coordination in multi-domain scenarios, especially in sub-conventional and counter-terror operations.
2. Sub-Conventional and Counter-Terror Operations
Troops rehearsed tactical actions such as cordon and search operations, destroy missions, and heliborne interventions — all under a simulated UN Chapter VII mandate scenario.
3. Combat Readiness and Fitness
Training modules included Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, yoga sessions, and friendly sports events — all aimed at boosting physical conditioning and fostering mutual cooperation between trainees.
4. Tactical Drills and Command Exercises
Joint activities such as Command Post Exercises (CPX), ambush theory sessions, joint patrolling rehearsals, and casualty evacuation drills were central to strengthening battlefield management, decision-making, and real-time mission planning.
5. Joint Weapon Display and Equipment Familiarisation
The exercise featured demonstrations of modern equipment and weapons systems used at company and battalion levels, helping troops understand shared capabilities and best practices.
Operational Highlights of Harimau Shakti 2025
During the exercise, troops practised several advanced operational drills such as:
- Helicopter slithering and low-hover jumps from MI-17 helicopters.
- Counter-IED familiarisation training through structured briefings and facility drills.
- Joint patrolling under simulated operational conditions that tested coordination and responsiveness.
- Realistic ambush and heliborne drills under dense terrain simulations.
