India-France Prep for 7th 'Shakti' Military Drill in Meghalaya - India and France are gearing up for the 7th edition of their joint military exercise named 'Shakti'. Scheduled from May 13-26, the exercise will take place in the Umroi region of Meghalaya, India.
The primary objective of this exercise is to strengthen the defense cooperation between the two nations. It aims to boost their joint military capabilities, especially in scenarios involving multiple domains and unconventional warfare, as stated by the Indian Army.
Moreover, the exercise will foster interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding between the armed forces of India and France.
The Indian Army shared details of the upcoming exercise via social media, emphasizing its focus on enhancing joint military capabilities in various operational scenarios.
The previous edition of the exercise, 'Ex Shakti 2021', took place at the Military School of Draguignan, France, in November 2021. The Indian contingent included a team comprising officers, junior commissioned officers, and soldiers from the Gorkha Rifles battalion and support arms.
During the exercise, participants underwent rigorous training in joint planning, operational conduct, and coordination for counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate. They also underwent combat conditioning, tactical training, and firing drills.
The exercise was conducted in two phases, culminating in a demanding 36-hour exercise to validate the standards achieved during training.
Earlier in April, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited France from April 22-25, aiming to further strengthen the robust defense ties between India and France, which have seen significant progress in recent years.
Devastating Storm Hits Meghalaya's Khasi Jaintia Hills, Leaving Hundreds Homeless
National Technology Day 2024: What You Need to Know
Indian Army Concludes 40-Hr Operation: 3 Terrorists Eliminated in Encounter in Kulgam, Jammu Kashmir