Indian Army Contingent Departs for India–France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII

IN NEWS

Indian Army Contingent Departs for India–France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII

ANALYSIS

• About the Exercise:
  The Indian Army contingent has departed to participate in the 8th edition of the biennial India–France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI, scheduled to be held at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June 2025 to 1 July 2025.
• Participating Contingents:
  • The Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel, primarily from a Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services.
  • The French contingent, also consisting of 90 personnel, will be represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
• Objective of Exercise SHAKTI:
  • To enhance interoperability and operational coordination between the two armies.
  • To strengthen military-to-military cooperation and strategic understanding.
  • To provide a platform for both contingents to exchange best practices, tactical drills, and operational techniques.
• Focus Area – 2025 Edition:
  • The exercise will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Training will be conducted in semi-urban terrain, reflecting modern operational realities.
• Key Activities and Outcomes Expected:
  • Rehearsal and refinement of tactical drills and procedures.
  • Sharing of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) between both armies.
  • Exposure to new-generation equipment and contemporary military technologies.
  • Enhancement of physical endurance, coordination, and combat readiness.
  • Promotion of mutual respect, professional camaraderie, and esprit-de-corps.
• Strategic Significance:
  • Exercise SHAKTI-VIII symbolizes the deepening defence partnership between India and France.
  • It contributes to broader strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and underlines shared values of peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.
  • The engagement reflects India’s increasing focus on bilateral and multilateral military collaborations for regional stability.

STATIC PORTION

• Exercise SHAKTI
  • Type: Bilateral Army Exercise between India and France.
  • Frequency: Biennial (every two years).
  • Objective: Enhancing interoperability in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations.
  • First Edition: 2011, held in India.
  • Previous Edition (SHAKTI-VII): Conducted in 2023 at Umroi, Meghalaya (India).
• Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter:
  • Deals with “Action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression.”
  • Provides the legal basis for UN-sanctioned military operations or peacekeeping missions.
• 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE):
  • An elite unit of the French Army, part of the French Foreign Legion, known for its extensive operational experience in international missions.
• India–France Defence Cooperation:
  • Includes regular joint exercises:
    • Garuda (Air Force)
    • Varuna (Navy)
    • SHAKTI (Army)
  • The cooperation covers strategic technology sharing, maritime security, and defence industrial collaboration.

Updated – 17 Jun 2025 ; 3:50 PM | PIB

[News Source: Press Information Bureau – Exercise SHAKTI-VIII]