An Indian Army Special Forces contingent departed for Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on Sunday to participate in the 12th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026.

According to an official Indian Army statement, the joint exercise aims to strengthen interoperability between the Indian and Indonesian armies through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures for special operations. Training will focus on operations in jungle terrain, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios.

The exercise provides personnel from both countries with an opportunity to share operational expertise and practise specialised military procedures in challenging environments. It also aims to improve coordination between the two forces during missions requiring specialised skills and tactical planning.

The exercise forms part of wider defence engagement between India and Indonesia, which also includes cooperation on maritime security.Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak visited Jakarta from October 17 to 19, 2026, for professional exchanges with Indonesian maritime authorities. During the visit, the ship’s commanding officer met India’s ambassador to Indonesia and the head of Indonesia’s Coast Guard, known as Bakamla. Discussions covered bilateral Coast Guard cooperation and regional maritime security.

The Indian Embassy in Indonesia also confirmed that the Indian Coast Guard and Bakamla renewed a memorandum of understanding on maritime safety and security cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Indonesia from July 6 to 8, 2026.

Separately, Modi met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation across sectors.

Together, these engagements highlight the expanding security partnership between India and Indonesia, spanning military training and maritime cooperation.