EXERCISE SHAKTI (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The 7th edition of India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya recently.

Exercise Shakti

• About: It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.
• Aim: To enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake multi-domain operations in a Sub-Conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

o The joint exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. 

• Objectives: To be achieved from the joint training are a high degree of physical fitness, rehearsing and refining drills for operations at the tactical level, and sharing of best practices.

o It will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conducting joint operations.

• Indian contingent: Comprising 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment besides personnel from other arms and services. Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will also form part of the exercise. 
• French contingent: Comprising 90 personnel will be represented mainly by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half- Brigade (13th DBLE).