SHILLONG: The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI kicked off today at Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Scheduled to run till May 26, the exercise marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two nations in the realm of defence cooperation.
The opening ceremony of the joint exercise was graced by the presence of HE Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area.
Exercise SHAKTI, a biennial training event, alternates between India and France, with the last edition held in France in November 2021.
The Indian contingent, comprising 90 personnel primarily from the RAJPUT Regiment, alongside personnel from other arms and services, is set to engage in rigorous training exercises.
Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will also play a pivotal role in the exercise.
On the French side, 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE) will participate in the exercise.
The aim of Exercise SHAKTI is to bolster the joint military capabilities of both nations, enabling them to undertake multi-domain operations in a sub conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
The exercise will place a particular emphasis on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.
Key objectives of the joint training include achieving a high degree of physical fitness, refining drills for tactical-level operations, and sharing best practices.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will encompass a wide array of scenarios, including response to terrorist actions, establishment of command posts, securing landing sites, and employing drones and counter-drone systems.
Exercise SHAKTI provides a platform for the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) between the armed forces of India and France.
The exercise is expected to enhance interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding among personnel from both countries.
