Joint military exercise 'Shakti': Indian, French armies share drills, expertise in jungle survival techniques | India News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The ongoing 7th edition of Joint Exercise Shakti witnessed a significant collaboration between the Indian and French armies as they exchanged drills and expertise in jungle survival techniques. Held at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, the exercise emphasized survival skills essential for mountainous terrains and sub-conventional scenarios.

Commencing on May 13, the exercise aims to enhance the joint military capacity of both nations to undertake Multi-Domain Operations effectively.The joint training, scheduled from May 13 to 26, aims to achieve a high degree of physical fitness and rehearse tactical drills for operations at the tactical level.

The opening ceremony, attended by Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area, marked the beginning of this biennial training event. Exercise Shakti alternates between India and France, with the previous edition held in France in November 2021.

The Indian contingent, comprising 90 personnel primarily from the RAJPUT Regiment, alongside representatives from other arms and services, is joined by observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Similarly, the French contingent, represented mainly by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE), also comprises 90 personnel.

"The aim of Exercise Shakti is 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," said the official release from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Defence, Guwahati.

Focused on semi-urban and mountainous terrains, the exercise aims to achieve objectives such as refining operational drills, establishing joint command posts, and conducting special heliborne operations. Tactical drills include responses to terrorist actions, securing helipads, and employing drones and counter-drone systems.

Exercise Shakti facilitates the sharing of best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for conducting joint operations, fostering inter-operability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between the armed forces of India and France.

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