Joint Military Exercise 'Shakti' of India-France. Begins in Meghalaya
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Shillong
- May 13, 2024
- 69
The seventh edition of Exercise 'Shakti' between India and France began in Meghalaya on Monday, aimed at enhancing the joint military capability of both sides for operations in diverse area.
Defense Ministry gave this information.
The ministry said the joint military exercise also aims to boost defense cooperation between the two friendly countries and their bilateral relations.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the Shakti exercise, to be held from May 13-26, will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures in conducting joint operations.
The joint exercise will help in promoting cohesion between the armed forces personnel of both the countries.
This exercise will not only increase the level of defense cooperation between the two countries but will also boost bilateral relations.
'Abhyas Shakti' is a biennial training program conducted alternately in India and France.
Its previous edition was held in France in November 2021. The seventh edition of the exercise began on Monday at a fully developed and modern foreign training node at Umroi, Meghalaya.
The inauguration ceremony of the joint exercise was attended by His Excellency Thierry Mathew, Ambassador of France to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding, 51 Sub Area, the statement said.
India's 90-personnel contingent is being represented mainly by personnel from other contingents and services apart from a battalion of the Rajput Regiment.
Observers from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will also be a part of the exercise.
"The French contingent of 90 personnel will be represented primarily by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE)," the statement said.
The joint exercise will focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous areas. The objectives to be achieved through joint training also include higher levels of physical fitness, operational practice at the tactical level and sharing of refined exercises and best practices.