Exercise Shakti

Exercise Shakti : India and France are set to commence the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti at La Cavalerie, France. This joint military exercise is a significant step in enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and operational readiness.

• About Exercise Shakti: Bilateral Army-level military exercise between India and France

o Frequency: Held biennially, alternately in India and France

o 7th edition (previous edition was hosted in India)

• Key Objectives: Strengthen joint operational capabilities in Multi-Domain Operations under sub-conventional conflict scenarios.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances military-to-military ties through collaborative planning and execution

o Reinforces the India-France Strategic Partnership in defence and security

o Contributes to regional and global security architecture through joint preparedness

• Other India-France Joint Military Exercises

o Garuda: Joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force, focused on aerial combat and interoperability.

o Varuna: Naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and naval operations.

o Desert Knight-21: Bilateral air exercise held in Jodhpur (Jan 20–24, 2021); unique for featuring Rafale jets from both sides, enhancing air combat tactics.

o FRINJEX-23: The first joint army exercise, conducted at Pangode Military Station, Kerala, focusing on joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations.