Joint military Exercise Shakti between the Indian and the French forces will be held at the Joint Training Node of the Indian Army in Umroi, Meghalaya, from 13 -26 May 2024. The opening ceremony of the 7th edition of Exercise Shakti will be attended by the French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou. Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, Commander of the 24 Mountain Brigade, and other civilian and military dignitaries.
The military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army is a biennial exercise which started in 2011 and is conducted alternately in India and France.
The 6th edition of the military exercise Shakti was held in France from 15-26 November 2021. Thus, it was India’s turn to host the next exercise.
The 7th edition will be hosted by India at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, from 13 -26 May 2024.
A battalion of the Rajput regiment is representing the Indian side. The Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force have also sent observers for Exercise Shakti. The French contingent, comprising 90 personnel, will be represented mainly by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
The main aim of the 7th edition of the Shakti exercise will be to develop the capacity of both forces for joint planning on developing strategies and tactics for a war-like situation.
The exercise aims at enhancing cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the two Armies.
Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of operations, and building shared knowledge, awareness, and familiarity with each other's operational procedures.
The joint exercise will facilitate both armies to know each other better and share their wide experiences and combat experience in countering terrorist operations,
Besides the Shakti exercises, India and France conducted Naval Exercise Varuna and Air Force Exercise Garuda.
Varuna Exercise
Exercise Garuda