Indo-Malaysian joint exercise Harimau Shakti-2018 kicked off to enable mutual capacity enhancement

Kuala Lumpur, May 1: In a bid to enable mutual capacity enhancement and assist in building strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Malaysia, the joint exercise Harimau Shakti 2018 between Indian Army and Malaysian Army commenced on Monday at Wardieburn Camp, Kuala Lumpur.

 

Lt Col Irwan Ibrahim, Commanding officer of the 1st Royal Ranger Regiment of Malaysian Army welcomed the Indian contingent and wished the Indian and Malaysian troops for a successful and mutually beneficial joint exercise.

The first phase of the two-week-long joint military exercise began with the formal handing over of the Regimental Flag to the Malaysian Army signifying merging of the two contingents under one Commander. First day also saw briefings to the joint contingent on Malaysian country brief, exercise settings and security aspects.

The day ended with a keenly contested friendly Volley Ball match, which the visitors could finally snatch after a tiff competition. Both armies stand to hone their tactical and technical skills in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations under the UN mandate. Due emphasis will be laid on increasing interoperability between forces which is crucial for the success of any joint operation. Importantly, exercise Harimau Shakti is a positive step in the bilateral relations between the two nations.