Tue Jun 17 17:15:30 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text:**
This text is a news article from *The Hindu* website, dated June 17, 2025. It reports on the departure of an Indian Army contingent to France for the eighth edition of the joint military exercise ‘Shakti’. The exercise, a biennial event, will be held at Camp Larzac from June 18 to July 1, 2025, and focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment. Both the Indian and French contingents consist of 90 personnel. The goal of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military connection between the two countries.
**News Article Rewrite:**
**Indian and French Armies to Conduct Joint Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ in France**
**NEW DELHI, June 17, 2025** – An Indian Army contingent departed for France today to participate in ‘Shakti-VIII’, the eighth iteration of the biennial joint military exercise between India and France. The exercise will take place at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, the Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, with additional representation from other services. The French contingent will also field 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
‘Shakti’ aims to bolster interoperability, operational coordination, and strengthen military ties between the two nations. This year’s exercise will concentrate on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment, conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, within a semi-urban setting.
The ‘Shakti’ exercise underscores the growing defense cooperation between India and France and their commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges.
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