The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise “Shakti” commenced on May 13 and will continue until May 26 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Exercise “Shakti” is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France. The last edition took place in France in November 2021.
The Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel primarily from the Rajput Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services, participating in the exercise. Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are also part of this 14-day exercise. It will also include the French contingent consisting of 90 personnel mainly from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
The joint exercise focuses on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Its objectives include achieving a high level of physical fitness, rehearsing and refining drills for tactical operations, and sharing best practices.
Tactical drills during the exercise will cover various scenarios such as responding to terrorist actions, establishing Joint Command Posts and Intelligence & Surveillance Centers, securing helipads/landing sites, conducting Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon & Search Operations, and employing drones and counter-drone systems, among others.
Exercise “Shakti” aims to promotes inter-operability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation, enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.