What happened?
An Indian Army contingent departed today, June 17, 2025, to participate in the 8th edition of the biennial India-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI. The exercise will take place at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France, from June 18, 2025, to July 1, 2025. The Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel, primarily from a Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services. The French contingent also consists of 90 personnel, represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). This edition of Exercise SHAKTI will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training conducted in semi-urban terrain.
Why it matters to India
Exercise SHAKTI is a crucial biennial training engagement aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military connect between the Indian and French Armies. The focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment and training in semi-urban terrain is vital for preparing Indian forces for complex modern warfare scenarios. This exercise provides a platform for both contingents to refine tactical drills, share best practices, train on new generation equipment, and strengthen physical endurance. Ultimately, Exercise SHAKTI-VIII underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and France and will further strengthen strategic ties between the two friendly nations, contributing to India’s defence readiness and international partnerships.