The fifth Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 is underway at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with the exercise beginning December 5 and going through to December 18. This is a two-way exercise that unites the troops of the Indian Army (primarily, Dogra Regiment) and the Royal Malaysian Army (25th Battalion). The drill is to be used to improve the interoperability, in particular, counter-terror and sub-conventional missions within the UN Chapter 7 mandate. The operations are cordon-and-search, heliborne operations, combat-reflex shooting, and casualty evacuation – enhancing tactical coordination, defence cooperation, and bilateral military relations between India and Malaysia.
Overview of Harimau Shakti 2025: India–Malaysia Joint Military Exercise
-
The fifth version of the India-Malaysia bilateral military drill is called the Harimau Shakti 2025.
-
Start: the exercise will start on 5 December 2025 and will take place until 18 December 2025.
-
It offers a desert environment (Mahajan Field Firing Range) in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
-
The participating troops will be the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army and the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army.
-
Some of the areas of focus are counter-terror, sub-conventional war and peacekeeping operations based on UN mandate.
-
It enhances India-Malaysia military collusion, tactical cooperation and defence relations.
-
The drills involve cordon-and-search, heliborne drills, combat-reflex, and casualty evacuation exercises.
Important PYQs on Military Exercises
| Exam Name | Year | Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE Prelims | 2023 | Harimau Shakti is a joint military exercise between which countries? | A) India–Thailand B) India–Malaysia C) India–Singapore D) India–Indonesia | B |
| SSC CGL | 2022 | Vajra Prahar exercise is conducted between India and which country? | A) USA B) France C) Australia D) Russia | A |
| CDS | 2021 | Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral exercise between India and? | A) USA B) France C) Russia D) Japan | A |
| SSC GD | 2020 | The INDRA exercise is conducted between India and? | A) USA B) Russia C) China D) Japan | B |
| State PSC Exam | 2019 | Mitra Shakti exercise is conducted between India and which country? | A) Bangladesh B) Sri Lanka C) Nepal D) Bhutan | B |
| UPSC CSE Mains | 2018 | Exercise Shakti is a joint training exercise between India and? | A) France B) USA C) Russia D) UK | C |
| RRB NTPC | 2021 | Nomadic Elephant is a joint exercise between India and? | A) Mongolia B) Russia C) USA D) China | D |
| SSC CHSL | 2020 | Sampriti exercise is conducted between India and? | A) Bangladesh B) Nepal C) Bhutan D) Sri Lanka | A |
Expected Questions for Upcoming Exams
What types of activities are included in Harimau Shakti 2025?
A) Combat-reflex shooting, cordon-and-search, heliborne operations, and casualty evacuation
B) Only field navigation and map reading
C) Naval boarding drills
D) Cybersecurity simulations
Answer: A
Explanation: The training covers tactical coordination through live drills such as combat-reflex shooting, heliborne operations, cordon-and-search, and casualty evacuation.
Which Indian Army unit is participating in Harimau Shakti 2025?
A) Rajput Regiment
B) Dogra Regiment
C) Gorkha Regiment
D) Sikh Regiment
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Army’s Dogra Regiment is deployed for this bilateral exercise with Malaysia.
What is the primary objective of Harimau Shakti 2025?
A) Naval operations
B) Counter-terrorism and sub-conventional warfare
C) Air defence drills
D) Cyber warfare exercises
Answer: B
Explanation: The exercise focuses on counter-terror and sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII mandate.
Conclusion
India and Malaysia’s joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 has reinforced bilateral defence collaboration and also facilitated the handing over of tactics between the two countries. The exercise will be held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and is aimed at understanding each other, being able to partner in strategies, and the willingness to work with the other, regarding international peacekeeping missions.
