New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The Indian Army has departed for France to participate in Exercise Shakti 2025, a bilateral military exercise jointly conducted with the French Army from June 18 to July 1 at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France.
The 8th edition of the biennial exercise is being hosted by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13 DBLE) of the French Army, also known as the Demi-Brigade of Foreign Legion. The Indian Army contingent is primarily drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, with support from various arms and services.
Colonel Benjamin Brunet, 52nd Corps Commander of the French Army, took to social media platform X to highlight the significance of the joint drill. “The 13 DBLE is organizing the bilateral exercise SHAKTI 25 alongside the Indian Army. This joint training strengthens interoperability, knowledge sharing, and cooperation between our two nations,” he wrote.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise aims to enhance operational synergy and interoperability in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain, a key area of focus given global security challenges.
The French Army contingent also comprises 90 personnel from the 13 DBLE, mirroring the strength and operational diversity of the Indian troops. The exercise is structured to simulate sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with joint drills, tactical rehearsals, and the use of new-generation military technologies.
Both forces will engage in sharing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), participate in joint tactical planning, and conduct exercises designed to boost physical endurance, mutual respect, and professional camaraderie.
The joint exercise underscores the deepening defence cooperation between India and France, reinforcing their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. It also builds upon previous successful engagements and showcases both nations’ commitment to global peacekeeping and counter-terrorism readiness.
Exercise Shakti continues to be a vital platform for fostering military-to-military coordination, boosting defence ties, and contributing to regional and global security efforts. (ANI)
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