Leh (Ladakh) [India], June 16 (ANI): In a display of civic responsibility and community collaboration, students and residents of Chushul village in Ladakh partnered with the Indian Army to conduct a cleanliness drive across Chushul and its surrounding areas, including Skok Lungpa Spring, the Army announced on Monday.
The Fire and Fury Corps unit posted on X, “Students and community members of Chushul village join hands with Indian Army for a cleanliness drive in Chushul and adjoining areas, including Skok Lungpa Spring. 80 Students from Government High School Chushul and 35 community members participated in the cleanliness drive on June 14, promoting Swachh Chushul!”
Located just about five miles from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Chushul holds strategic importance, and the initiative not only aimed at environmental stewardship but also demonstrated unity between local communities and defense personnel.
In related developments, earlier on Monday, the Indian Army announced that its contingent has departed for France to participate in the eighth edition of the Indo-French joint military exercise ‘Shakti.’ The exercise will be held in La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
According to an official Army statement, “The Indian Army contingent has departed today for France to participate in the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti… aimed at fostering synergy and interoperability in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain.”
Exercise Shakti, held alternately in India and France, is an annual engagement that strengthens military cooperation. The 2024 edition was hosted at Umroi in Meghalaya, with participation from personnel of the Rajput Regiment and other branches, as well as observers from the Indian Navy and Air Force. The French side was represented by soldiers from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
The Ministry of Defence noted that the joint training will enhance the military capabilities of both nations in sub-conventional scenarios, particularly in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, under the United Nations Mandate Chapter VII.
Objectives include rigorous physical training, refining tactical drills, and the exchange of best practices. The collaboration also aims to deepen camaraderie and trust between the Indian and French armed forces, further advancing bilateral defense relations. (ANI)
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