Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 — the bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI-AD) — was conducted at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 03 to 12 December 2025. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and special operations in mountainous terrain. The exercise involves special forces from both sides — India's Para SF and Indonesia's Kopassus (Special Forces Command). Simultaneously, Exercise Garuda 25 — the India-France bilateral air exercise — concluded in France during the same period, showcasing India's active military diplomacy with multiple global partners. India conducts over 50 joint military exercises annually with partner nations. Key 2025 exercises include Malabar (India-US-Japan-Australia/Quad), Shakti (India-France), Surya Kiran (India-Nepal), and Mitra Shakti (India-Sri Lanka). These exercises build interoperability, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen bilateral defence relations — key pillars of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 Commences: India-Indonesia Joint Military Exercise in Himachal Pradesh; Exercise Garuda 25 Concludes in France
Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 — the bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI-AD) — was conducted at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 03 to 12 December 2025. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and special operations in mountainous terrain. The exercise involves special forces from both sides — India's Para SF and Indonesia's Kopassus (Special Forces Command). Simultaneously, Exercise Garuda 25 — the India-France bilateral air exercise — concluded in France during the same period, showcasing India's active military diplomacy with multiple global partners. India conducts over 50 joint military exercises annually with partner nations. Key 2025 exercises include Malabar (India-US-Japan-Australia/Quad), Shakti (India-France), Surya Kiran (India-Nepal), and Mitra Shakti (India-Sri Lanka). These exercises build interoperability, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen bilateral defence relations — key pillars of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Key facts
- Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 between India and Indonesia was conducted at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 03 to 12 December 2025.
- The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, and HADR in mountainous terrain.
- India's Para Special Forces and Indonesia's Kopassus participate in the exercise.
- Exercise Garuda 25 between India and France concluded simultaneously in France.
- India conducts over 50 joint military exercises annually with partner nations.
- The exercise supports India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategic engagement.
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Exercise Garuda Shakti is a bilateral military exercise between India and which country?
Exercise Garuda Shakti is the India-Indonesia Joint Military Exercise that commenced in December 2025.
Source: PIB / News on Air / Ministry of Defence
Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Garuda Shakti and between which two countries is it conducted?
Exercise Garuda Shakti is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia / TNI-AD). It focuses on counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, and special operations.
Where and when did Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 commence?
Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 commenced on December 5, 2025, in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on operations in mountainous terrain.
Which special forces from India and Indonesia participate in Exercise Garuda Shakti?
India's Para Special Forces (Para SF) and Indonesia's Kopassus (Special Forces Command) participate in Exercise Garuda Shakti.
What is Exercise Garuda 25 and how does it differ from Garuda Shakti?
Exercise Garuda 25 is a bilateral military exercise between India and France, conducted in France. It is distinct from Exercise Garuda Shakti, which is an India-Indonesia exercise held in India.
How does Exercise Garuda Shakti relate to India's foreign and defence policy?
The exercise supports India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategic engagement. India conducts over 50 joint military exercises annually with partner nations to strengthen defence ties.
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