Key Points

India and France are set to conduct their 8th joint military exercise Shakti from June 18 to July 1. The drills at France's La Cavalerie will involve 90 personnel each from both armies. This edition focuses on enhancing interoperability for UN-mandated sub-conventional operations. The exercise alternates between both countries biennially, strengthening defense cooperation.

Key Points: India France Launch 8th Edition of Joint Exercise Shakti in June

  • Biennial drill boosts India-France defense ties
  • Focus on UN-mandated sub-conventional warfare
  • 90 troops each from Rajput Regiment & 13th DBLE
  • Alternate hosting between both nations
2 min read

India-France to hold 8th edition of 'Exercise Shakti' from June 18

Indian and French armies to conduct Exercise Shakti 2025 in France from June 18 to July 1, focusing on multi-domain operations and interoperability.

"The aim is to enhance joint military capability for Multi-Domain Operations in Sub Conventional scenarios - ADG-PI"

New Delhi, June 12

The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a joint military exercise between India and France, will take place from June 18 to July 1 at La Cavalerie in France.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG-PI) stated that the joint military exercise aims to improve coordination and teamwork between the two armies and prepare for missions in challenging situations.

"Exercise #Shakti 2025, The 8th edition of Exercise #Shakti, a joint military exercise between #India and #France is scheduled from 18 June to 01 July 2025 at #LaCavalerie, #France," the post reads.

https://x.com/adgpi/status/1932963630431064428

"The aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake Multi Domain Operations in a Sub Conventional scenario. The joint exercise will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between Armies of both the Nations," the post further reads.

Exercise Shakti is an annual joint military drill conducted by the armies of both nations to enhance interoperability and coordination in tactical operations.

Last year, the 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise "Shakti" commenced on May 13 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.

The exercise aimed to enhance the joint military capacity of both sides to undertake Multi-Domain Operations in a sub-conventional scenario.

According to an official release from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Defence, Guwahati, the exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13 to 26 May. The Opening Ceremony of the joint exercise was attended by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area. Exercise SHAKTI is a biennial training event conducted alternately in India and France. The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021.

Indian contingent comprising 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment besides personnel from other arms and services. Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will also form part of the exercise. The French contingent comprising 90 personnel will be represented mainly by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).

"The Aim of Exercise SHAKTI is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate," the release added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great to see our forces training with advanced militaries like France! 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇷 These exercises are crucial for modern warfare preparedness. Hope our soldiers bring back valuable experience that can be used along our borders too.
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Priya M.
While military cooperation is important, I hope we're also focusing on indigenous defense manufacturing under Make in India. Dependence on foreign equipment makes us vulnerable during crises. Atmanirbharta should be the ultimate goal!
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Amit S.
France has been one of our most reliable defense partners. Remember how they stood with us during tough times when others hesitated. This exercise will definitely boost our capabilities against threats from both western and northern borders.
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Neha P.
The Rajput Regiment representing India makes me proud! Our jawans are second to none. Hope they get exposure to French urban warfare tactics that could be useful in Kashmir and northeast counter-insurgency operations.
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Vikram J.
Good initiative but I'm concerned about the costs. With our own defense budget constraints, are we getting proper value from these foreign exercises? The money could be used for better equipment for our soldiers guarding the LOC.
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Sanjay R.
France is a strategic partner we must nurture. Their experience in African counter-terror ops could help our forces dealing with similar challenges. Jai Hind to all participating soldiers! Bring glory to the tricolor! 🚩

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