Today, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army began its sixth Garuda Shakti exercise. The Garuda Shakti training exercise is conducted as a part of the military diplomacy between the Indian and the Indonesian Armies. The joint drill will be held from the 19th of February to the 4th of March. The joint drill aims to build experience sharing in counter terrorism operations, close quarter combat and other areas of special operations.
The Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat also attended the ceremony today. Rawat said the joint exercises will deepen trust and cooperation between the two armies. Last month, Indonesian Defence Minister General Ryamizard Ryacudu (Retired) visited New Delhi. Ryacudu renewed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening defence and security exchange with India. Indonesia is said to be India’s closest maritime neighbour.