Indian and French militaries carried out a two-week wargame in France that focused on boosting joint operational preparedness to deal with security challenges.About 50 armoured and tactical vehicles and fighter jets were deployed in the Indo-French army exercise Shakti that was held from June 18 to July 1.
The exercise involved more than 500 legionnaires and military personnel from various units of the French Army, the Foreign Legion, as well as the French Air and Space Force, and the French Navy, according to a French readout.
The Indian contingent of 90 personnel primarily comprises a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles besides personnel from other arms and services.
The joint drills were held in Aveyron in Monclar district, and in Herault.
Exercise Shakti was a vital opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to boost joint operational preparedness for facing the toughest combat situations in a sub-conventional environment, the readout issued by the French embassy said.
“Serving as an effective platform for exchanging best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPS), exercise Shakti will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership,” it added.
The participation of legionnaires in the exercise is seen as significant.