The 5th edition of joint military exercise 'Harimau Shakti 2025' between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army was conducted from December 5 to December 18, 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under the UN Chapter VII mandate. The name 'Harimau Shakti' means 'Strength of the Tiger' in Malay — connecting both nations' tiger symbolism. The exercise encompasses urban warfare techniques, counter-terrorism operations, joint special forces actions, jungle warfare training, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range — India's largest military firing range — has become a premier hub for such joint exercises. The exercise reflects India's 'Act East' policy and commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with South-East Asian nations. Malaysia is an important ASEAN partner for India, and this bilateral military engagement strengthens the defence dimension of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The exercise also provides Indian troops with valuable exposure to the Royal Malaysian Army's counter-insurgency and jungle warfare experience in Southeast Asian theatres.
Harimau Shakti 2025: 5th Edition of India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Held at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan; Focus on Sub-Conventional Operations under UN Chapter VII
The 5th edition of joint military exercise 'Harimau Shakti 2025' between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army was conducted from December 5 to December 18, 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under the UN Chapter VII mandate. The name 'Harimau Shakti' means 'Strength of the Tiger' in Malay — connecting both nations' tiger symbolism. The exercise encompasses urban warfare techniques, counter-terrorism operations, joint special forces actions, jungle warfare training, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range — India's largest military firing range — has become a premier hub for such joint exercises. The exercise reflects India's 'Act East' policy and commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with South-East Asian nations. Malaysia is an important ASEAN partner for India, and this bilateral military engagement strengthens the defence dimension of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The exercise also provides Indian troops with valuable exposure to the Royal Malaysian Army's counter-insurgency and jungle warfare experience in Southeast Asian theatres.
Key facts
- Harimau Shakti means 'Strength of the Tiger' in Malay connecting both nations' tiger symbolism.
- The exercise ran December 5 to 18 at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- It aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII.
- Drills include urban warfare, counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, and HADR operations.
- Mahajan Field Firing Range is India's largest military firing range in Rajasthan.
- The exercise strengthens Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic significance of joint military exercise 'Harimau Shakti 2025' at Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range for India's Act East policy and ASEAN defence cooperation.
Answer (50 words):
Harimau Shakti 2025, the 5th India–Malaysia joint military exercise, runs December 5–18 at Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range, India's largest firing range. Sub-conventional drills under UN Chapter VII, jungle warfare and HADR operations enhance interoperability with Royal Malaysian Army, reinforcing India's Act East policy and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN partner Malaysia.
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Which edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti was conducted in December 2025?
The 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti was conducted in December 2025 at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
Source: PIB / Indian Army Press Release
Frequently asked questions
What is Harimau Shakti and which two armies conduct this joint exercise?
Harimau Shakti is a bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army. 'Harimau Shakti' means 'Strength of the Tiger' in Malay, a name that symbolically connects both nations through their tiger imagery.
Where and when was the 5th edition of Harimau Shakti 2025 held?
The 5th edition of Harimau Shakti 2025 was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan from December 5 to December 18, 2025. Mahajan Field Firing Range is India's largest military firing range.
What is the primary objective of Harimau Shakti exercises under the UN Chapter VII mandate?
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian and Malaysian armies in sub-conventional operations conducted under the UN Chapter VII mandate. UN Chapter VII authorises the Security Council to take enforcement action, including military operations, to maintain or restore international peace.
What types of drills and operations are practised during Harimau Shakti?
Harimau Shakti encompasses training in urban warfare, counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. These drills are designed to build joint operational capability across diverse threat scenarios.
What is the significance of Harimau Shakti for bilateral relations between India and Malaysia?
Harimau Shakti strengthens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia by building military-to-military trust, enhancing joint operational capability, and deepening defence cooperation within the broader framework of India's Act East Policy.
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