India France Joint Military Exercise Shakti 2025 begins in France focusing on sub-conventional warfare, strengthening defence ties and interoperability between both nations.
🌍 India‑France Joint Military Exercise “Shakti 2025” Kicks Off in France
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.
Indian and French Troop Deployment
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)
Focus on Sub‑Conventional Warfare
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
Enhancing Interoperability & Technical Know‑How
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 .
Strengthening Strategic Ties
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
Looking Ahead
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.
Why This News Matters
Strategic Defence Alignment
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.
Exam Relevance & Fodder
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.
Focus on Non‑Traditional Threats
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.
Technological Collaboration
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.
Global Peacekeeping & UN Mandates
Conducting drills under UN Chapter VII highlights India’s evolving role in peacekeeping, a critical area for Civil Services Exams’ international relations syllabus.
Historical Context
Origins of Exercise Shakti
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
Broader Indo‑French Military Engagement
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.
Strategic Context
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.
Key Takeaways from Exercise Shakti 2025
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | 8th Edition: First held in 2011; current edition in France from 18 June to 1 July 2025. |
| 2. | Balanced Contingents: India and France each deploy 90 troops—Jammu & Kashmir Rifles and 13th DBLE. |
| 3. | Sub‑Conventional Focus: Training tailored for semi‑urban, counter‑terrorism operations under UN scenarios. |
| 4. | Interoperability & Tech: Emphasis on TTPs, joint drills, next‑gen equipment, and endurance. |
| 5. | Diplomatic & Strategic Depth: Reinforces India‑France partnership in air, land, and sea domains. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Exercise Shakti?
Exercise Shakti is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the French Army, aimed at enhancing joint military cooperation and interoperability.
Q2. How often is Exercise Shakti conducted?
Exercise Shakti is a biennial exercise (held once every two years) between India and France.
Q3. What is the main focus of Exercise Shakti 2025?
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.
Q4. Which Indian Army regiment is participating in the 2025 edition?
The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment is representing India in the 2025 edition of Exercise Shakti.
Q5. Where is Exercise Shakti 2025 being held?
The exercise is taking place at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June to 1 July 2025.
Q6. Why is Exercise Shakti important for India’s defence strategy?
It enhances India’s strategic defence relations with France, improves tactical interoperability, and prepares both forces for joint peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions.
Q7. How is Exercise Shakti relevant for government exams?
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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