India and France have commenced the eighth edition of Exercise Shakti, a biennial joint military exercise, at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, running from 18 June to 1 July 2025 The undertaking spotlights India’s deepening defence partnership with France and aims to refine operational synergy in complex terrains.
A 90-member Indian Army contingent, predominantly from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, joined by personnel from various arms and services, has deployed to France The French Army is also fielding an equally sized force consisting of the elite 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE)
This edition emphasizes joint operations in sub‑conventional or semi‑urban environments, conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter The troops will train in realistic, semi‑urban terrain to simulate counter‑terrorism and internal security operations, ensuring preparedness for modern asymmetric threats
Activities include joint tactical drills, sharing best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and working with next‑gen military technologies, reinforcing interoperability between Indian and French forces The exercise also includes tests of physical endurance, camaraderie-building, and peacekeeping skill development .
Exercise Shakti has evolved into a core component of India–France military diplomacy, bolstering bilateral defence relations, expanding scope across land, air, and naval domains (through sister exercises like Garuda and Varuna), and contributing to global peace and security
By fostering joint readiness for sub‑conventional and peace‑support operations, this exercise lays a strategic foundation for future collaborations in the Indo‑Pacific and beyond, aligned with both nations’ commitment to regional stability.
This exercise underscores India’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with France, a vital defence partner. It enhances mutual trust and operational alignment, reinforcing India’s global defense posture.
For aspirants of UPSC, banking, SSC, railways, police and defence exams, this news is invaluable. It provides concrete examples for current affairs, security context, and international relations questions.
The emphasis on sub‑conventional warfare—counter‑insurgency and semi‑urban scenarios—mirrors emerging security challenges in South Asia, vital for understanding evolving defence priorities.
By showcasing joint training in modern military equipment and technologies, the exercise signifies India’s progress in military modernization, a recurring theme in general studies and technical awareness sections.
Conducting drills under UN Chapter VII highlights India’s evolving role in peacekeeping, a critical area for Civil Services Exams’ international relations syllabus.
Commencing in 2011, Shakti is a biennial Indo‑French army drill, alternating between India and France The inaugural edition took place in Chaubattia, India, and the current edition in France marks its eighth cycle
Shakti forms part of a broader defence collaboration including Exercise Garuda (air force) since 2003 and Varuna (naval) since 2001 These multidisciplinary engagements reflect a comprehensive military partnership.
India–France relations have grown into a strategic partnership since 1998, cemented across sectors: defence, nuclear energy, space, and trade Defence exercises like Shakti reinforce this partnership and signal shared security objectives globally.
Exercise Shakti is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the French Army, aimed at enhancing joint military cooperation and interoperability.
Exercise Shakti is a biennial exercise (held once every two years) between India and France.
The 2025 edition of the exercise focuses on sub-conventional warfare and operations in semi-urban environments under the mandate of Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment is representing India in the 2025 edition of Exercise Shakti.
The exercise is taking place at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June to 1 July 2025.
It enhances India’s strategic defence relations with France, improves tactical interoperability, and prepares both forces for joint peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions.
It is relevant for defence, civil services, SSC, and police exams under current affairs, defence strategy, and India’s international relations topics.
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