Indian Army Contingent in France for Joint Military Exercise Shakti

The Indian Army contingent left for France on June 17 to participate in 8th edition of the biennial India-French Joint Military Exercise Shakti. The exercise is being conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie from 18th June to 1st July 2025.

Comprising 90 personnel, the Indian contingent is being represented by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles besides personnel from other arms and services. The French contingent comprising 90 personnel is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.

Exercise Shakti is a biennial training engagement between the Indian and French armies, aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military to military connect. The current edition will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in semi-urban terrain.

The exercise will provide a platform for both contingents to rehearse and refine tactical drills, share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), train on new generation equipment (contemporary military technologies) and strengthen physical endurance. It will also foster esprit-de-corps, mutual respect and professional camaraderie between the two armies.