Indian Army Special Forces Leave for Indonesia for Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026

New Delhi, October 25, 2026: An Indian Army contingent of Special Forces personnel has left for Banyuwangi, Indonesia, to take part in the 12th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026, a bilateral drill designed to deepen defence cooperation and improve operational coordination between India and Indonesia.

The exercise will bring together Special Forces teams from both countries for training focused on interoperability, combat readiness and the exchange of expertise in special operations, particularly in jungle environments where the terrain and climate present demanding conditions.

According to the details provided, the exercise will centre on the sharing of tactics, techniques and procedures, or TTPs, used in special operations. A key emphasis will be on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios, allowing the participating troops to compare operational experiences, study each other’s training methods and gain a clearer understanding of their respective military procedures.

Jungle warfare remains one of the most difficult operational settings for special forces. Dense vegetation, restricted visibility, difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions can complicate movement, surveillance and mission execution. Training in such conditions is considered important for elite units that are expected to carry out complex missions with precision and close coordination.

Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026 is expected to improve mutual understanding and professional cooperation between the Indian Army and the Indonesian military while also strengthening their ability to operate effectively in difficult tactical environments. The exercise serves not only as a training event but also as a platform for practical military engagement between the two sides.

The recurring drill has become an important part of the expanding defence relationship between India and Indonesia. It offers both countries a regular opportunity to exchange operational knowledge, reinforce military-to-military ties and work together on shared security concerns.

The 12th edition of Garuda Shakti reflects the continued commitment of India and Indonesia to deepen their strategic partnership through joint military training and professional exchanges. It also highlights India’s continuing focus on strengthening defence engagement with Southeast Asian countries and advancing regional security cooperation.