New Delhi: A 90-member contingent of the Indian Army has departed for France to take part in the 8th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI, a biennial bilateral training engagement aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and military interoperability.
The exercise will be held at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1. The Indian contingent is primarily drawn from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, with additional personnel representing other arms and services.
The French Army will be represented by an equal-strength contingent from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE), one of the most respected units in the French military.
Exercise SHAKTI-VIII will focus on joint military operations in a sub-conventional environment, in line with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which pertains to actions with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.
Exercise #Shakti 2025
The #IndianArmy contingent has departed today to #France to participate in the 8th edition of Exercise #Shakti, taking place in #LaCavalerie, #France, from 18 June to 01 July 2025.
The Exercise will foster synergy and interoperability in conduct of… pic.twitter.com/MJWgKHrBQl
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 17, 2025
Training will be conducted in semi-urban terrain to simulate real-world scenarios encountered during counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations.
The two-week-long exercise will provide an opportunity for both contingents to rehearse tactical drills, enhance operational coordination, and share best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
Personnel will also train on new-generation equipment and technologies, emphasizing adaptability to modern battlefield challenges.
Exercise SHAKTI is part of a series of bilateral military engagements between India and France, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
The current edition aims not only to refine military skills and coordination but also to build mutual trust, professional camaraderie, and cultural understanding between the troops.
