PUNE: As part of the ongoing Indo-Malaysian defence cooperation, a two-week long joint training exercise Harimau Shakti began in the dense forests of Sengai Perdik, Hulu Langat,
Malaysia from Monday.
The exercise is aimed at bolstering cooperation and coordination between armed forces of both the nations and to share the expertise of both the contingents in the conduct of counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain.
A press communique issued by Indian army states, “Indian contingent is being represented by one of the oldest infantry battalions, 4 Grenadiers having rich operational experience in conventional as well as counterinsurgency warfare. The Malaysian contingent is being represented by soldiers from 1 Royal
Ranjer Regiment and the Royal Malay Regiment, known for their experience in
Jungle Warfare. This is the first instance wherein a joint training exercise of this magnitude involving Indian and Malaysian soldiers is being organized on Malaysian soil.”
The exercise will involve a cross-training phase followed by a field training phase of seven days in the jungles of Hulu Langat wherein both armies will jointly train, plan and execute a series of training activities. The focus will remain on tactical operations in jungle warfare, the communique states.
Overall, the exercise will not only provide an excellent opportunity to both the armies to hone their operational skills but will also contribute to enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia, the army sources added.