india-and-france-prepare-for-7th-edition-of-exercise-shakti-in-meghalaya

India and France are set to strengthen their defence partnership through the upcoming 7th edition of the Joint Military Exercise 'Shakti', scheduled to take place from May 13 to 26 in the Umroi region of Meghalaya.

 

The exercise aims to bolster the joint military capabilities of both nations to conduct Multi-Domain Operations in a Sub Conventional scenario, the Indian Army maintained.

 

Sharing details of the forthcoming exercise, the Indian Army highlighted its objective to enhance interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the armed forces of both countries.

"The joint exercise seeks to facilitate closer collaboration and coordination in tackling contemporary security challenges," the Indian Army mentioned.

Exercise #Shakti 2024

The 7th Edition of Joint Military Exercise between #India🇮🇳 & #France🇫🇷 will be conducted from 13 to 26 May 2024 in #Umroi, #Meghalaya. The aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake Multi Domain Operations in a… pic.twitter.com/NTK9n7XIo4

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 11, 2024

This edition of Exercise Shakti follows the successful conduct of the sixth edition, held in November 2021 at the Military School of Draguignan, France.

During the previous iteration, the Indian Army contingent, comprising three Officers, three Junior Commissioned Officers, and 37 soldiers from a battalion of Gorkha Rifles and Support Arms, participated in rigorous training exercises.

 

The training focused on joint planning, operational conduct, and coordination required for counter-terrorism operations under United Nations mandates.

Additionally, participants underwent combat conditioning and tactical training, including firing drills and battle-hardening exercises.

 

The exercise was conducted in two phases, culminating in a demanding 36-hour validation exercise to assess the attained standards.

 

The upcoming edition of Exercise Shakti is a display of the commitment of both nations to deepen their defence collaboration and strengthen bilateral ties. 

 

This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of promoting regional stability and enhancing security cooperation.

 

Prior to the exercise, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan undertook a visit to France from April 22 to 25, aimed at reinforcing the potent defence ties between India and France.