The 11th edition of the India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI commenced at Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on 27 October 2026. Scheduled to continue until 6 November 2026, the exercise aims to deepen defence cooperation and improve operational coordination between the Special Forces of both countries.
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI 2026
The 11th edition of the India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI commenced at Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on 27 October 2026. Scheduled to continue until 6 November 2026, the exercise aims to deepen defence cooperation and improve operational coordination between the Special Forces of both countries.
Participating Contingents
The Indian contingent consists of personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Indonesia is represented by its Special Forces personnel. The joint deployment provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange operational experience and develop a better understanding of each other’s procedures.
Major Training Activities
The exercise focuses on special operations in jungle terrain. The training programme includes:
- Jungle warfare tactics and operational procedures.
- Obstacle crossing and combat marksmanship.
- Mountaineering and air assault training.
- Combat-hardening sessions to improve physical endurance.
- Exchanges of knowledge concerning weapons, equipment and operational practices.
The exercise will conclude with a validation exercise involving realistic operational scenarios. This final phase will assess the participating troops’ endurance, coordination and combat preparedness.
Significance
GARUDA SHAKTI strengthens military-to-military relations between India and Indonesia. Joint training in challenging environments helps improve interoperability, mutual trust and the ability of Special Forces to coordinate during complex missions.
Important facts for examinations
- Exercise: GARUDA SHAKTI 2026
- Edition: 11th
- Countries: India and Indonesia
- Location: Banyuwangi, Indonesia
- Dates: 27 October–6 November 2026
- Indian contingent: Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- Main focus: Special operations in jungle environments
India Indonesia Defence Relations
India and Indonesia have developed a close defence partnership based on their shared maritime interests, regional security concerns and commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Their geographical proximity, particularly around the Andaman Sea and major international shipping routes, makes cooperation between the two countries strategically important.
The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, creating a stronger framework for cooperation in defence, maritime security and military exchanges. In recent years, both countries have sought to expand collaboration in defence technology, information sharing and joint military training.
Strategic Milestones and High-Level Engagement
High-level diplomatic exchanges have played an important role in strengthening defence relations between New Delhi and Jakarta.
- January 2025: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India as the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The visit highlighted the importance of bilateral relations and maritime cooperation.
- July 2026: The supplied material reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto signed 14 agreements aimed at expanding cooperation, including in defence technology and military equipment.
These engagements reflect the shared interest of both countries in developing a broader and more effective strategic partnership.
Major Pillars of Defence Cooperation
India and Indonesia are expanding their defence partnership through cooperation in missile technology, maritime surveillance, defence manufacturing and strategic dialogue.
A. Defence Industry and Missile Cooperation
Defence technology has become an important component of bilateral relations. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s July 2026 visit to Indonesia, the two countries advanced cooperation on the BrahMos missile system and signed an air-to-air missile cooperation agreement. These developments were included in the official list of outcomes of the visit. Prime Minister of India+1
The partnership creates opportunities for defence-industrial collaboration and strengthens India’s role as a supplier of advanced defence equipment.
B. Maritime Domain Awareness
Both countries recognise the importance of sharing information to maintain maritime security. An announcement during the July 2026 visit covered the deployment of an Indonesian liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Located in Gurugram, the centre facilitates information-sharing and maritime-domain awareness, helping participating countries monitor maritime developments and improve coordination.
C. Strategic Maritime Infrastructure
India and Indonesia share an interest in protecting important sea lanes and maintaining freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. Their maritime cooperation encompasses security dialogue, information exchange, hydrography and port visits.
The supplied material also mentions cooperation relating to Sabang Port in Indonesia, near the entrance to the Malacca Strait. The specific status of this port-development initiative should be verified before it is presented as an established bilateral project.
Major Joint Military Exercises
Joint exercises help the armed forces of India and Indonesia exchange professional expertise, improve interoperability and strengthen mutual trust.
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI
A bilateral Army and Special Forces exercise focusing on jungle warfare, special operations and counter-terrorism training. The 11th edition commenced on 27 October 2026 at Banyuwangi, Indonesia, according to the supplied material.
Exercise SAMUDRA SHAKTI
A bilateral naval exercise designed to enhance maritime cooperation through naval manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare, air-defence activities and other operational drills.
IND-INDO CORPAT
The India–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol aims to improve maritime coordination, protect shipping routes and counter illegal activities at sea. The official Indian Ministry of External Affairs bilateral brief records that these patrols have been conducted since 2002. Ministry of External Affairs
These exercises complement wider defence engagements, including staff talks, professional exchanges and maritime-security cooperation.
Emerging Geopolitical Developments
India–Indonesia defence relations are evolving alongside wider security developments in the Indo-Pacific.
According to a Reuters report published on 21 October 2026, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding to deepen defence cooperation. The arrangement focuses on strengthening defence capabilities, promoting technology cooperation, encouraging joint production and expanding industrial collaboration. Reuters
The agreement adds a new dimension to Indonesia’s defence relationships. For India, the development is relevant to the broader regional security environment, particularly as India and Indonesia expand their own cooperation in defence technology and maritime security.
However, participation in the Badr agreement alone does not establish that Indonesia’s cooperation with India is weakening. The two countries continue to have their own bilateral defence arrangements and shared maritime interests.
