Paris
The 8th edition of the Indo-French Army joint exercise, SHAKTI 2025, was held from 18 June to 1 July in La Cavalerie, Southern France. Hosted by the 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13th DBLE), the exercise included over 500 French troops and 90 Indian soldiers, mainly from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services. Around 50 armoured and tactical vehicles, as well as fighter jets, were used during the training.
Conducted in two phases, the first phase (18–21 June) focused on joint weapons training and tactical coordination in Aveyron’s Monclar district. The second phase (22–26 June) featured semi-urban combat drills, including day and night operations in Herault, as part of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA) exercise.
The exercise aimed to improve interoperability, enhance combat readiness, and share best practices in sub-conventional operations under the UN Charter's Chapter VII. It served as a realistic platform for exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and improving cooperation between both armies.
The 13th DBLE had earlier participated in SHAKTI 2024 in India, reflecting a continued commitment to strengthening Indo-French military ties. SHAKTI, held alternately in India and France, is part of a broader defence collaboration that includes Exercise GARUDA (Air Force) and VARUNA (Navy).
According to the Embassy of France in India, Exercise SHAKTI highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, focused on peace, stability, and global security.