Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII: India and France Strengthen Defence Partnership

The Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII is taking place in Southern France at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, focusing on joint training to improve military capabilities. The exercise emphasizes interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual trust. The Indian Army contingent, including a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and the French Army’s 13^e Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13e DBLE), are participating in various mission-oriented exercises, including combat shooting, obstacle courses, joint planning, and advanced training programs. The combat shooting segment highlights the modern small arms used by both nations. Specialist teams participated in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) modules, bolstering electronic dominance and communications security. Joint planning activities further improve mission integration and operational effectiveness. The exercise exemplifies the close defence relationship between India and France and reinforces the commitment to regional stability and collaborative security.