An Army contingent left for France on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) to participate in the eighth edition of the India-French joint military exercise named ‘Shakti’, which will be conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, from June 18 to July 1.
India France Exercise Shakti 2025
India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII Begins in France
The Indian Army contingent has departed to participate in the 8th edition of the biennial India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI, which is being held at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France from 18th June to 1st July 2025. This strategic bilateral exercise highlights the deepening defence cooperation between India and France and aims to strengthen military collaboration through joint training and knowledge exchange.
Indian and French Participation
The Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with members from other arms and services of the Indian Army. On the other hand, the French contingent, also comprising 90 personnel, is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE) — a renowned unit of the French Army.
Focus and Objectives
Exercise SHAKTI-VIII is a biennial training engagement designed to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military relations between the two armies. This edition of the exercise will focus on conducting joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The training will be carried out in semi-urban terrain, simulating real-world combat scenarios.
The exercise serves as a robust platform for both contingents to:
- Rehearse and refine tactical drills.
- Share best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
- Train on new-generation equipment and modern military technologies.
- Enhance physical endurance and mental resilience.
- Foster esprit de corps, mutual respect, and professional camaraderie.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Exercise SHAKTI-VIII not only strengthens strategic defence cooperation but also reaffirms the long-standing friendly relations between India and France. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the capacity for joint responses to global challenges, especially in peacekeeping and sub-conventional conflict environments.
The successful conduct of such joint exercises showcases the commitment of both nations towards maintaining international peace and stability and deepening military partnerships in the evolving global security landscape.
