The Shakti edition, featuring a brigade-level command post, air force, and naval observers, aims to improve interoperability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations. India and France have strong military ties, including maritime security, defence collaboration, counterterrorism, and information sharing. They regularly conduct naval and air force exercises, with the French Air Force participating in India’s ‘Tarang Shakti’ air combat exercise in August.
French ambassador Thierry Mathou emphasized the strengthening of sovereignty and strategic autonomy of both nations, highlighting the unprecedented level of mutual trust between France and India since the establishment of official relations in 1947. ‘India and France commenced the 7th edition of the Shakti Joint Military Exercise at Umroi in Meghalaya, aiming to bolster bilateral defence cooperation and enhance peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region’, said French ambassador Thierry Mathou.
The 14-day exercise, following Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s recent visit to France, aims to enhance joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios. The exercise involves contingents from the Rajput Regiment and the French 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade, focusing on tactical drills such as responses to terrorist capture, establishment of joint command and intelligence centers, heliborne operations, and drone use.