India-Malaysia Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti 2024 Begins

The much-anticipated Harimau Shakti 2024, a bilateral military exercise between India and Malaysia, is set to take place from December 2 to December 15, 2024, at the Bentong Camp in Kuala Lumpur. This exercise aims to enhance the interoperability between the Indian and Malaysian armies in conducting sub-conventional operations under the United Nations (UN) mandate.

This year’s exercise follows the theme, “Two nations, one mission: Ensuring global peace,” underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to international stability.

Official Statement and Objective

In an official statement on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army noted:

“The joint military Exercise Harimau Shakti between India and Malaysia is scheduled to be held at the Bentong Camp, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 02 December – 15 December 2024. The objective of Exercise Harimau Shakti is to further strengthen interoperability between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army in conducting sub-conventional operations under the UN mandate.”

Previous Edition and Background

The previous edition of Harimau Shakti was conducted in India in 2023 at Meghalaya’s Umroi Cantonment. The Indian Army was represented by the Rajput Regiment, while the Malaysian Army’s contingent comprised troops from the 5th Royal Battalion. The exercise highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering defense cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.

Key Goals of Harimau Shakti

1. Enhancing Interoperability:
   • Focused on joint drills and procedures for sub-conventional operations.
2. Defense Collaboration:
   • Strengthening the long-standing defense relationship between India and Malaysia.
3. Global Peacekeeping:
   • Conducting operations aligned with the United Nations mandate.

Other Recent Joint Military Exercises

Agni Warrior 2024

Concurrently, the 13th edition of Agni Warrior 2024, a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded on Saturday at Field Firing Ranges in Devlali, Maharashtra.

Highlights of Agni Warrior 2024:

• Participating contingents:
  • Singapore Armed Forces: 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery.
  • Indian Army: 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery.
• Focus:
  • Joint firepower planning, execution, and use of modern equipment.
• Observers:
  • Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery.
  • Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant, School of Artillery.
  • Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer, Singapore Armed Forces.

Conclusion

These joint exercises, including Harimau Shakti 2024 and Agni Warrior 2024, highlight India’s growing defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. They serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of nations committed to maintaining peace and global security.