The Joint Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ between India and France wrapped up its 7th edition on May 26 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
The conclusion featured a final validation exercise overseen by a Tri-Service delegation from both countries. Conducted from May 13 to May 26, 2024, the exercise focused on boosting coordination in joint tactical operations and enhancing interoperability between the Indian and French Armed Forces.
Distinguished attendees, such as His Excellency Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area, were present at the commencement of Exercise ‘Shakti’. This biennial event alternates between India and France, with the previous iteration held in France in November 2021.
The Indian team, primarily comprising 90 personnel from the RAJPUT Regiment, alongside observers from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, joined forces with 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE) of France.
Exercise ‘Shakti’ aimed to bolster joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The training focused on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, highlighting aspects such as physical fitness, refinement of tactical drills, and the exchange of best practices.
The tactical exercises encompassed a range of situations, such as addressing terrorist threats, setting up command posts and intelligence hubs, securing helipads, carrying out small team maneuvers, executing specialized heliborne operations, and employing drones.
Exercise ‘Shakti’ plays a pivotal role as a forum for sharing tactics, techniques, and procedures, promoting interoperability and solidarity between the armed forces of India and France. This partnership not only enhances defense collaboration but also bolsters the bilateral ties between these two allied nations.
