India, France Deepen Military Ties as Joint Exercise SHAKTI-VIII Begins in France

India and France continues to deepen their defence cooperation. Now, an Indian Army contingent has departed for the 8th edition of the biennial joint military exercise SHAKTI. 

The two-week exercise will be conducted from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France.

Image Source: PIB India on X

The Indian contingent, represented primarily by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services, comprises 90 troops. 

Their French counterparts, also numbering 90, will participate from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).

Exercise SHAKTI is part of the ongoing effort to enhance operational coordination, interoperability, and military-to-military engagement between the two nations. 

This edition focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment, in line with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with drills to be conducted in semi-urban terrain.

The exercise provides an opportunity for both armies to refine tactical drills, exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures, and train on modern military technologies. 

The joint drills are also aimed at strengthening physical endurance, fostering professional camaraderie, and building mutual respect between the two forces.

Exercise SHAKTI-VIII reflects the expanding strategic partnership between India and France at a time when both countries are actively broadening their defence collaboration across multiple domains.