The Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII is currently underway at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, in Southern France. The exercise involves intensive joint training between the Indian and French contingents to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual confidence. The Indian Army contingent, including a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and the French Army’s 13^e Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13e DBLE) are participating in mission-focused drills aimed at sub-conventional operations. Activities include combat shooting in semi-developed terrain, obstacle crossings, joint planning exercises, and advanced obstacle course training. Combat shooting showcased the latest small arms from both nations. The Indian Army displayed its new-generation indigenous inventory, while the French contingent utilized frontline weapon systems. Specialist teams participated in Electronic Warfare (EW) modules and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) training. Joint planning activities further refine mission integration and operational coherence. The exercise reflects the depth of Indo-French defence cooperation, reinforcing a commitment to regional stability, technological collaboration, and collective security objectives.
