The 5th edition of the India-Malaysia joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The exercise ran from December 5 to December 18, 2025, leveraging the desert terrain of Rajasthan for realistic counter-terrorism training. The Indian Army contingent, primarily from the Dogra Regiment, comprised 120 personnel, while 70 troops from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army participated. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and sub-conventional warfare within the UN Chapter VII mandate, enhancing interoperability between the two armies. Key tactical drills included cordon-and-search operations, raid and search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, drone deployment, counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures, helipad securing, and casualty evacuation. The exercise underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership between India and Malaysia within the ASEAN framework. Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range — one of India's premier training grounds — provides an ideal desert environment that simulates combat terrains similar to those in West and Southeast Asian regions. Harimau Shakti contributes to India's broader Act East Policy and strengthens military diplomacy with ASEAN nations.
India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 Begins at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner, Rajasthan
The 5th edition of the India-Malaysia joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The exercise ran from December 5 to December 18, 2025, leveraging the desert terrain of Rajasthan for realistic counter-terrorism training. The Indian Army contingent, primarily from the Dogra Regiment, comprised 120 personnel, while 70 troops from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army participated. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and sub-conventional warfare within the UN Chapter VII mandate, enhancing interoperability between the two armies. Key tactical drills included cordon-and-search operations, raid and search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, drone deployment, counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures, helipad securing, and casualty evacuation. The exercise underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership between India and Malaysia within the ASEAN framework. Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range — one of India's premier training grounds — provides an ideal desert environment that simulates combat terrains similar to those in West and Southeast Asian regions. Harimau Shakti contributes to India's broader Act East Policy and strengthens military diplomacy with ASEAN nations.
Key facts
- The 5th Harimau Shakti exercise began at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner on December 5.
- The Indian Army deployed 120 personnel from the Dogra Regiment alongside 70 Malaysian troops.
- The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations under UN Chapter VII mandate.
- Key drills included heliborne operations, drone deployment, and counter-UAS measures.
- Rajasthan's Mahajan range provides ideal desert terrain simulating West Asian combat environments.
- The exercise strengthens India's military diplomacy with ASEAN under the Act East Policy.
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2021 Strategic role of Quad in the Indo-Pacific Region — Both address India's military diplomacy and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN frameworks.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic significance of Harimau Shakti 2025 at Bikaner's Mahajan Field Firing Range in strengthening India's Act East Policy and ASEAN defence ties.
Answer (50 words):
The fifth Harimau Shakti ran December 5-18, 2025 at Mahajan, featuring 120 Dogra Regiment personnel and 70 Royal Malaysian Army troops. Drills covered counter-terrorism, heliborne operations, drone deployment, and counter-UAS measures under UN Chapter VII. Rajasthan's desert terrain simulates West and Southeast Asian combat conditions, strengthening bilateral defence diplomacy within ASEAN.
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Where was the 5th edition of India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 conducted from 5 to 18 December 2025?
The Ministry of Defence stated that the 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, and was conducted from 5 to 18 December 2025. The exercise involved Indian Army troops mainly from the Dogra Regiment and Malaysian troops from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army, focusing on sub-conventional and counter-terrorist operations under a UN mandate.
Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Harimau Shakti and which edition was held in 2025?
Harimau Shakti is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and Malaysia. The 5th edition, Harimau Shakti 2025, was held from December 5 to December 18, 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan. 'Harimau' means 'Tiger' in Malay, symbolising Malaysian military strength.
Which Indian Army regiment participated in Harimau Shakti 2025 and what was the strength of both contingents?
The Indian Army contingent in Harimau Shakti 2025 was primarily drawn from the Dogra Regiment, comprising 120 personnel. The Malaysian side fielded 70 troops from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army. The Dogra Regiment is one of India's oldest and most decorated infantry regiments.
What was the operational focus of Harimau Shakti 2025 and under which UN mandate?
Harimau Shakti 2025 focused on counter-terrorism operations and sub-conventional warfare under the UN Chapter VII mandate, which authorises use of force for international peace and security. Key drills included heliborne operations, drone deployment, and counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) measures.
Why is the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan strategically important for military exercises?
The Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner is one of India's largest military training areas. Its vast desert terrain simulates West Asian and arid combat environments, making it ideal for realistic live-fire exercises, armoured vehicle drills, heliborne operations, and combined arms training. Several bilateral and multilateral exercises are hosted here annually.
How does Harimau Shakti 2025 relate to India's Act East Policy and ASEAN military diplomacy?
Harimau Shakti 2025 strengthens India's military diplomacy with Malaysia and ASEAN under India's Act East Policy, which seeks deeper strategic, economic, and cultural engagement with Southeast Asian nations. Regular joint exercises build interoperability, mutual trust, and cooperative security frameworks — key pillars of India's broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
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