News: The Indian Army contingent departed to participate in 8th edition of the biennial India-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI.
About Exercise SHAKTI
- It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively between Indian and French armies.
- Aim: It is aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military to military connect.
- 2025 edition: The exercise will be conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France from 18th June 2025 to 1st July 2025.
- The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021.
- Focus: This edition will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in semi-urban terrain.
- Contingents involved: The Indian contingent comprising of 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles besides personnel from other arms and services.
- The French contingent comprising of 90 personnel will be represented by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half- Brigade (13th DBLE).
- Significance: It underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and France and will strengthen strategic ties between the two friendly nations.
