French ambassador Thierry Mathou emphasized the strengthening of sovereignty and strategic autonomy between France and India, highlighting the unprecedented level of mutual trust since 1947. French ambassador Thierry Mathou asserted, ‘India and France commenced the 7th edition of the Shakti Joint Military Exercise at Umroi in Meghalaya, aiming to bolster bilateral defence cooperation and enhance peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region’.
The Shakti edition, featuring a brigade-level command post, air force, and naval observers, aims to improve interoperability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations. India and France have strong military ties, including maritime security, defence collaboration, counterterrorism, and information sharing. They regularly conduct naval and air force exercises, with the French Air Force participating in India’s ‘Tarang Shakti’ air combat exercise in August.
A 14-day exercise following Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s recent visit to France, focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios, aiming to achieve high physical fitness, refine tactical operations, and share best practices. The exercise involves contingents from the Rajput Regiment and the French 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade, including responses to terrorist territorial capture, establishment of joint command and intelligence centers, heliborne operations, and drone use.
