8th Edition of India-France Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex-SHAKTI’ 2025 Begins in France.
International
The 8th edition of the bilateral military exercise “Ex-SHAKTI” between India and France commenced on June 18, 2025, at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France. The joint exercise will continue until July 1, 2025, focusing on joint tactical operations.
- The primary objective of Ex-SHAKTI 2025 is to strengthen military coordination between India and France in multi-domain operations and sub-conventional environments. The Indian Army contingent comprises 90 personnel led by a Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, supported by troops from other arms and services.
- The French side is represented by 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13e DBLE), a renowned unit specializing in rapid deployment and operations in semi-urban terrains. This composition reflects mutual commitment to enhancing interoperability in field-level joint missions.
- This edition of the exercise emphasizes operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with a special focus on counter-terrorism in semi-urban conditions. The exercise will include training on Tactical Drills, Techniques, Tactics and Procedures (TTPs), and next-generation military technologies.
Main Point :- (i) Ex-SHAKTI 2025 also aims to build esprit de corps and promote joint military ethics and professionalism. It fosters cultural understanding and deepens mutual respect between personnel of both armed forces through shared responsibilities and coordinated mission execution.
(ii) The Ex-SHAKTI series began in 2011 in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, and is held biennially, alternating between India and France. The 7th edition was held at Umroi, Meghalaya in May 2024 at a state-of-the-art Foreign Training Node. These exercises enhance doctrinal and procedural synergy.
(iii) Other key bilateral exercises with France include Exercise VARUNA (Navy) and Exercise GARUDA (Air Force), both of which complement Ex-SHAKTI in strengthening the India-France defence partnership. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India is General Upendra Dwivedi, and the exercise is under the Indian Army’s strategic planning division.
About Indian Army (IA)
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) : General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters : New Delhi
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