La Cavalerie, France, July 3: ANB;The eighth edition of the Indo-French joint military exercise, SHAKTI-VIII, concluded today at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, with a formal closing ceremony, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation between India and France.
The two-week-long exercise brought together 90 personnel from the Indian Army’s Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and soldiers from the French Army’s 13ᵉ Demi-Brigade de Légion Étrangère. The joint drills were aimed at enhancing tactical coordination, interoperability, and mutual trust between the two forces in sub-conventional operational settings. According to the News Service Associated News Bureau ANB That The engagement featured a wide spectrum of mission-specific training modules, including combat shooting, urban warfare drills, obstacle clearance, and integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) operations.
A key highlight of SHAKTI-VIII was a rigorous 96-hour continuous field exercise simulating complex multi-domain combat scenarios. Designed to mirror real-time battlefield challenges, the exercise tested the endurance, coordination, and joint decision-making capabilities of both contingents under high-stress conditions.
Indian Ambassador to France, Mr. Sanjeev Singla, visited the troops during the training and praised their dedication and professionalism. He lauded the exercise as a strong example of the growing strategic partnership between India and France.
Exercise SHAKTI, a biennial event, continues to serve as a platform for the two nations to share best practices, enhance operational synergy, and reaffirm their shared commitment to regional peace and collective security.
As SHAKTI-VIII concludes, it leaves behind a strengthened bond between the Indian and French Armies and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in future joint military initiatives. ANB
