Tue Jul 01 11:39:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
The eighth edition of the Indo-French army exercise, “Shakti 2025,” concluded in France on July 1, 2025. The exercise, which began on June 18, involved over 500 French military personnel from various branches and a 90-member Indian contingent primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. It included joint training in shooting, issuing orders, and semi-urban combat exercises in both day and night. The exercise aimed to enhance joint operational preparedness in sub-conventional combat situations under the UN Charter, strengthen ties between the two armed forces, and exchange best practices in tactics and procedures. This exercise is part of a series of regular Indo-French defense exercises covering air, naval, and army forces.
**News Article:**
**Indo-French Army Exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ Concludes, Bolstering Strategic Partnership**
*New Delhi – July 1, 2025* – The eighth edition of the Indo-French army exercise, “Shakti 2025,” concluded successfully in France on Tuesday, marking another significant step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations.
The exercise, which commenced on June 18, saw the participation of over 500 French military personnel, including members of the Foreign Legion, the French Air and Space Force, and the French Navy. India deployed a 90-member contingent composed primarily of a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other services. Approximately 50 armored and tactical vehicles and fighter jets were also utilized.
According to a statement from the French embassy, “Shakti 2025” encompassed two phases. The initial phase, held in Aveyron, focused on intensifying joint training in shooting techniques, order issuance, and the seamless integration of units. The subsequent phase, conducted in Hérault, involved the deployment of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group in realistic semi-urban combat scenarios during both day and night.
“Exercise Shakti provided a crucial opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to enhance their joint operational readiness in challenging sub-conventional combat environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter,” the statement emphasized. The exercise also facilitated the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures, fostering deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the two armed forces.
“Indo-French defense exercises, including Exercise Garuda between the air forces and Exercise Varuna between the navies, are regularly conducted, reflecting the expanding scope and complexity of the strategic partnership between India and France,” said the French Embassy.
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