India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026

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Key takeaways

The 11th edition of GARUDA SHAKTI took place in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, involving the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of the Indian Army.
The exercise focuses on specialized skills like jungle warfare, mountaineering, and air assault training to improve military interoperability.
This collaboration strengthens bilateral security and defence ties between India and Indonesia within the Indo-Pacific region.
Other key defence engagements between the two nations include Samudra Shakti and IND-INDO CORPAT.

The 11th edition of the joint special forces exercise called GARUDA SHAKTI has started in Banyuwangi, Indonesia.

India is sending soldiers from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of the Indian Army. The Indonesian side is sending its own Special Forces personnel.

The main goal is to improve how the special forces of both countries understand each other. It also aims to better their operational coordination and their ability to work together seamlessly.

The soldiers will practice jungle warfare tactics and how to cross obstacles. They will also focus on combat marksmanship, mountaineering, and air assault training. Other activities include combat-hardening sessions and sharing knowledge about weapons, equipment, and how they operate.

To finish the training, both teams will take part in a simulated operational exercise. This will test their endurance, how well they coordinate, and if they are ready for real combat.

This exercise makes the defence bond between India and Indonesia stronger. It helps their militaries work together better and improves security ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Indonesia also conduct other military drills. These include Samudra Shakti, which is a naval exercise, and IND-INDO CORPAT, which involves coordinated naval patrols.