Over 500 personnel from India and France participated in the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and bilateral defence ties.
Indo-French Exercise Shakti 2024 Ends After Successful Two-Week Training in France
France, July 1 – The eighth edition of Exercise Shakti, the Indo-French joint military training drill, concluded today after two weeks of intensive drills, tactical exercises, and strategic coordination between the Indian Army and the French Armed Forces.
Held from June 18 to July 1, the exercise took place in Aveyron and Herault districts of southern France and was hosted by the 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13 DBLE).
Key Highlights of Exercise Shakti 2024:
- Total Participants: Over 500 troops, including soldiers from the French Army, Foreign Legion, Navy, and French Air and Space Force.
- Indian Contingent: A 90-member team, including a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, supported by troops from various other Indian military services.
- Military Assets Used: Around 50 armoured and tactical vehicles, supported by fighter aircraft from both nations.
Two-Phase Training Operation
Phase 1 (June 18–21, Aveyron – Monclar):
- Focused on joint combat training, weapon handling, and command coordination.
- Included simulation of battlefield conditions and urban warfare scenarios.
Phase 2 (June 22–26, Herault):
- Involved full deployment of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA).
- Troops conducted day and night operations in semi-urban open-field terrains, replicating real-world sub-conventional combat scenarios.
Focus Areas of the Exercise
- Enhancing tactical interoperability and joint operational preparedness.
- Exposure to modern military technology and systems.
- Training under conditions aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, preparing both forces for multinational peacekeeping or counter-insurgency missions.
- Knowledge sharing in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) between Indian and French troops.
Strategic Significance
A press release from the French Embassy in New Delhi underlined the strategic importance of Shakti 2024:
“Exercise Shakti was a vital opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to boost joint operational preparedness for facing the toughest combat situations… while strengthening ties with a strategic partner.”
“Exercise SHAKTI will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces, as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership.”
Strengthening the Indo-French Strategic Defence Partnership
Exercise Shakti is part of a larger framework of bilateral defence cooperation between India and France. Alongside:
- Exercise Garuda (Air Force collaboration)
- Exercise Varuna (Naval cooperation)
These regular drills demonstrate a shared commitment to:
- Promoting global peace and stability
- Enhancing combat readiness
- Developing a mutual understanding of operational doctrines
Conclusion
The successful completion of Exercise Shakti 2024 marks another milestone in the growing Indo-French strategic partnership. As both nations continue to build on their shared values and defence capabilities, such joint exercises not only improve military synergy but also strengthen diplomatic and security ties on a global scale.