The echoes of joint drills and strategic planning have faded from the fields of Camp Larzac as Exercise SHAKTI-VIII, the eighth iteration of the Indo-French joint military exercise, officially concluded Thursday (July 3, 2025). This significant event marks a new milestone in the defence relationship between India and France, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and collective security.
What was the main objective of Exercise SHAKTI-VIII?
The primary goal of SHAKTI-VIII was to significantly enhance interoperability, foster mutual trust, and improve tactical coordination between the Indian and French armies. It aimed at allowing both forces to learn from each other’s operational best practices in a real-world scenario.
Where and when did the exercise take place?
The exercise culminated today at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France. It’s the eighth edition, indicating a long-standing tradition of cooperation between the two nations.
Which units participated from both the Indian and French sides?
The Indian contingent comprised 90 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. From the French Army, troops from the 13ᵉ Demi-Brigade de Légion Étrangère participated.
What kind of training and drills were conducted during the exercise?
The training focused on mission-oriented drills tailored for sub-conventional operations. This included a diverse range of activities such as combat shooting, urban warfare training, obstacle crossings, Electronic Warfare (EW) integration, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) operations.
What was the highlight during the exercise?
A major highlight was a successful 96-hour continuous field exercise. This simulated complex multi-domain scenarios, rigorously testing the endurance, planning proficiency, and joint decision-making capabilities of both contingents under high-pressure, realistic conditions.
Moreover, the Indian Ambassador to France, Sanjeev Singla, visited the troops. He commended their professionalism and acknowledged their vital contribution to strengthening the defence ties between India and France.
What is the broader significance of Exercise SHAKTI-VIII for Indo-French relations?
Exercise SHAKTI-VIII serves as a powerful testament to the growing strategic convergence between India and France. Beyond the exchange of tactical knowledge, it reaffirms both countries’ shared commitment to regional stability, collective security, and a deepened defence cooperation. It brings into focus their dedication to working together on critical global security challenges.