Tue Jul 01 11:39:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Indian and French military forces concluded a two-week joint exercise, “Shakti,” in France, aimed at enhancing joint operational preparedness in dealing with security challenges. The exercise, involving over 500 French personnel and a 90-member Indian contingent, included armoured vehicles, tactical vehicles and fighter jets. It focused on sub-conventional combat scenarios and facilitated the exchange of best practices between the two armies, paving the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the Indian and French armed forces. The exercise is part of a series of regular joint exercises between the two countries, demonstrating their shared commitment to peace, stability, and global security.
**News Article:**
**Indo-French Wargames Conclude, Strengthening Defence Partnership**
**New Delhi – July 1, 2025:** A two-week joint military exercise, “Shakti,” between India and France concluded today, marking a significant step in bolstering the defence cooperation between the two nations. Held in France from June 18th to July 1st, the wargames focused on enhancing joint operational preparedness in addressing evolving security challenges.
The Indian contingent comprised 90 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with representatives from other services. The French side was represented by 90 personnel from the elite 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade, along with over 500 other legionnaires and military personnel from the French Army, the Foreign Legion, the French Air and Space Force, and the French Navy. Approximately 50 armoured and tactical vehicles and fighter jets were deployed in the exercise.
The exercise, held in Aveyron and Herault, provided a crucial platform for both armies to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), particularly in sub-conventional combat environments. According to a statement from the French embassy, “Exercise Shakti will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership.”
The participation of the French Foreign Legion, a military unit open to foreigners who want to serve in the French Army, underscores the importance of this collaboration.
“Exercise Shakti” is part of a larger series of regular joint exercises between India and France, including “Exercise Garuda” (air forces) and “Exercise Varuna” (navies). These exercises demonstrate the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining peace, stability, and global security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
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