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India Today
11 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Eighth edition of India-France military drill Shakti begins at La Cavalerie
The 8th edition of the Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced on Thursday at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France. The Indian Army has sent a 90-member contingent, mainly from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services. The French Army is represented by 90 troops from the 13th Foreign Legion SHAKTI is a bilateral training programme between the Indian and French Armies. It aims to improve teamwork, operational coordination, and mutual understanding. The 2025 edition is focused on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The training will be conducted in semi-urban Military Attach to France, Brigadier Veeresh Thapar, and Colonel HV Kalia, who is leading the Indian troops, attended the opening ceremony. From the French side, Colonel Benjamin Brunet, Commander of the 13 DBLE, and Lieutenant Colonel Castillo, Deputy Commander, were present. In their remarks, the dignitaries said, 'Exercise SHAKTI-VIII would not only enhance the operational preparedness of both armies but also contribute significantly to the growing Indo-French defence partnership.'During the exercise, the troops will engage in joint tactical drills, share best practices and operational insights, and strengthen bonds of camaraderie and Reel
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India, France begin joint military exercise 'Shakti'
New Delhi: A joint exercise between the militaries of India and France , aimed at enhancing operational coordination and focused on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment, began on Thursday, officials said. The eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French 'Exercise Shakti' commenced at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 90 personnel, is primarily represented by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles , along with personnel from other arms and services. "The French contingent, also comprising 90 personnel, is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13 DBLE)," a senior official said. 'Exercise Shakti' is a bilateral training engagement between the Indian and French armies aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding, the officials said. Live Events "The 2025 edition focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training conducted in semi-urban terrain," the official said. The opening ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, including India's military attache in France, Brig Veeresh Thapar, and the Indian contingent commander, Col HV Kalia, he said. Representing the French side were Col Benjamin Brunet, Commander of the 13 DBLE, and Lt Col Castillo, the Deputy Commander. Both sides conveyed their best wishes to the participating troops and expressed confidence that the exercise would foster deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the armed forces of India and France. In their remarks, the dignitaries highlighted that 'Exercise Shakti' would not only enhance the operational preparedness of both armies but also contribute significantly to the growing Indo-French defence partnership, the officials said. Over the course of the exercise, participating troops will engage in joint tactical drills, share best practices and operational insights, and strengthen bonds of camaraderie and trust. The culmination of the exercise will reaffirm the shared commitment of India and France towards peace, stability, and global security, they said. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
