Bilateral Military Exercises: Enhancing Strategic Partnerships and Operational Readiness
Context
Two major bilateral military exercises were recently in focus. Exercise Garuda 25 between India and France concluded in France, while Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 between India and Indonesia commenced in Himachal Pradesh.
Exercise garuda 25
Host: Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, France
Participating Nations: India (Indian Air Force) and France (French Air & Space Force)
Key Highlights:
- IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters, IL-78 air-to-air refuellers, and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
- Conducted complex missions including strike operations, escort duties, air-to-air refuelling, and coordinated operations.
- Engaged in joint mission planning, tactical execution, and exposure to each other’s standard operating procedures.
- IAF maintenance teams ensured high aircraft serviceability throughout the exercise.
- Strengthened the Indo–French strategic partnership and enhanced interoperability in high-end air combat operations.
Exercise Garuda 25 reinforced strategic ties between India and France and provided exposure to advanced air-combat tactics and operational planning.
Exercise garuda shakti 2025
Host: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
Participating Nations: India (PARA Special Forces) and Indonesia (Indonesian Special Forces)
Key Highlights:
- Focus on counter-terrorism tactics, unarmed combat, combat shooting, sniping, and heliborne operations.
- Training includes drone warfare, counter-UAS operations, and loiter-munition planning in semi-mountainous terrain.
- Exchange of expertise on weapons, equipment, and operational procedures between forces.
- Concludes with a validation exercise simulating real-operation scenarios to assess joint readiness.
Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 enhances special forces interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities, and preparedness for complex terrain operations.
Conclusion
Both exercises demonstrate India’s focus on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability with partner nations, and building advanced operational capabilities across air and special forces domains. They reflect India’s growing emphasis on strategic partnerships and readiness for contemporary security challenges.
Source : PIB