In News:

The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a bilateral joint military exercise between India and France, is being held from 18 June to 1 July 2025 at La Cavalerie, France.

About Exercise Shakti

• Type: Joint military exercise between the Indian Army and French Army.
• Edition: 8th edition. The previous edition was hosted by India, as the exercise is biennial and conducted alternately in both countries.
• Venue (2025): La Cavalerie, France.

Objective and Significance

• Primary Aim: To enhance the joint military capability of both nations to conduct Multi-Domain Operations in sub-conventional conflict scenarios.
• Focus Areas:
  • Developing interoperability in operations.
  • Sharing best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
  • Fostering bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.

Strategic Importance

• Exercise Shakti is part of the broader defence partnership between India and France, encompassing counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and multi-domain coordination.
• It reflects India’s growing strategic engagements with like-minded global partners to address emerging security challenges.

Other India–France Joint Exercises

Name                    Domain          Participants

Garuda                 Air                   Indian Air Force – French Air and Space Force

Varuna                Naval               Indian Navy – French Navy

Desert Knight        Air                 Indo-French air warfare cooperation