India-France joint military exercise ‘Shakti’ begins in Meghalaya

The 7th edition of India-France joint military exercise “Shakti” is scheduled to begin on May 13 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.

The objective of this exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both the sides to conduct multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenario.

According to an official release from the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Defence, Guwahati, the exercise is scheduled to be conducted from May 13 to 26. The inaugural ceremony of the joint exercise was attended by French Ambassador to India Thierry Matthau and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area. Vyayam Shakti is a biennial training program held alternately in India and France. The previous edition was held in France in November 2021.

The Indian contingent of 90 personnel is being represented mainly by personnel from other arms and services apart from a battalion of the Rajput Regiment. Observers from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will also be 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 objective of the exercise Shakti is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to conduct multi-domain operations in the sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate,” the release said.

Additionally, the joint exercise will focus on operations in semi-urban and hilly terrain. The objectives to be achieved from joint training include higher levels of physical fitness, practice and refinement of operations at the tactical level and sharing of best practices.

The tactical exercises practiced during the exercise included countering a terrorist action capturing a defined area, establishment of a joint command post, establishment of an intelligence and surveillance centre, securing a helipad/landing site, small team entry and Will be included. Apart from extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations also include the use of drones and counter-drone systems.

The exercise will enable both sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting joint operations. The joint exercise will help in development of interoperability, camaraderie and camaraderie between the personnel of the armed forces of both the countries. This will also increase the level of defense cooperation and will further boost bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.