In a world where over 60% of global defence partnerships rely on trust and operational synergy, the India-France Joint Military Drill—Exercise Shakti 2025—stands out as a significant example of international collaboration. From June 18 to July 1, the Indian Army contingent will travel to France to join their French counterparts at La Cavalerie. This eighth edition of Exercise Shakti is not just a routine training exercise; it represents a strategic milestone in the evolving landscape of global security cooperation.
Since its inception in 2011, Exercise Shakti has evolved into a flagship biennial engagement between India and France. Each edition alternates between the two countries, deepening their defence partnership and enhancing interoperability. This year’s India-France Joint Military Drill focuses on multi-domain operations and counter-terrorism in semi-urban environments, addressing the real-world challenges both armies may face together. Through intensive tactical drills, simulations, and live exercises, Exercise Shakti 2025 aims to promote not only operational excellence but also the camaraderie and mutual respect that are essential for lasting strategic alliances.
What is Exercise Shakti?
Exercise Shakti 2025, the 8th edition of the India-France Joint Military Drill, is taking place from June 18 to July 1, 2025, in La Cavalerie, France. This biennial event involves 90 personnel each from the Indian Army, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and the French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade. The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military connections between the two nations. The core objective is to strengthen their capabilities to conduct multi-domain operations in sub-conventional warfare scenarios, particularly in semi-urban terrain, as outlined in Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 8th (Biennial since 2011) |
| Dates & Location | June 18–July 1, 2025; La Cavalerie, France |
| Participating Forces | Indian Army (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles), French Army (13th Foreign Legion) |
| Personnel | 90 from each nation |
| Focus | Multi-domain operations, sub-conventional warfare, semi-urban terrain |
| Objective | Enhance interoperability, share best practices, and build strategic partnerships |
| Strategic Significance | Enhance interoperability, share best practices, and build strategic partnerships. |
India-France Joint Military Exercise symbolises the strengthening of the defence partnership between India and France. This collaboration allows both armies to exchange tactics, train on new-generation equipment, and build lasting camaraderie.
Objectives of Exercise Shakti 2025
Exercise Shakti 2025 is more than just a military drill; it serves as a demonstration of India’s growing indigenous capabilities and its commitment to global peacekeeping in collaboration with strategic partners like France. This eighth edition, taking place from June 18 to July 1 at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France, involves 90 personnel from the Indian Army, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and 90 troops from France’s elite 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
What distinguishes this exercise is its emphasis on sub-conventional warfare, urban operations, and the utilisation of next-generation equipment, much of which has been developed or adapted in India. Indian soldiers will train on contemporary military technologies, sharing best practices and refining tactics in real-world scenarios, including humanitarian missions and peacekeeping under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
For aspiring defence professionals and enthusiasts, Exercise Shakti 2025 highlights how India’s homegrown military advancements are being tested and validated on a global platform, promoting not only operational excellence but also international trust and cooperation.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Focus | Indian Army uses next-gen equipment, much of it developed in India |
| Training Environment | Semi-urban terrain, simulating real-world threats and peacekeeping |
| Joint Operations | Emphasis on interoperability, tactical drills, and humanitarian missions |
| Strategic Value | Strengthens India-France defence ties and validates indigenous innovations |
India’s defence modernisation and indigenous developments are significantly impacting global cooperation, aiding armies in learning and adaptation for a safer future.
Participating Units and Assets
The participating units and assets in Exercise Shakti 2025 showcase both the operational strength and indigenous advancements of the Indian Army, while also promoting deep collaboration with the French military. The Indian Army has deployed a contingent of 90 members, primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, supported by personnel from other branches and services. This combination ensures a blend of frontline infantry skills and specialised support, reflecting India’s diverse military capabilities.
On the French side, there are 90 troops from the renowned 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE), celebrated for their combat experience and adaptability in varied terrains. Both contingents will train and operate with new-generation equipment and contemporary military technologies, much of which has been developed or adapted indigenously by India. This includes advanced communication systems, surveillance tools, and tactical gear designed for sub-conventional and semi-urban warfare scenarios.
| Unit/Asset | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | 90 personnel, mainly Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, plus support from other arms |
| French Army | 90 personnel, 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE) |
| Indigenous Developments | Use of Indian-developed communication, surveillance, and tactical systems |
| Focused Technologies | Next-gen equipment for sub-conventional, semi-urban, and peacekeeping ops |
The exercise provides a valuable opportunity to test and refine indigenous assets during joint operations. This collaboration allows both armies to share best practices and improve their tactical procedures. It not only strengthens the defence ties between India and France but also validates India’s indigenous military innovations in real-world, multinational scenarios. This serves as an invaluable learning experience and builds confidence for all participants.
Multi-Domain Operations Focus
Exercise Shakti 2025 shows how India’s defence sector is improving through local innovation and international teamwork. This India-France Joint Military Exercise runs from June 18 to July 1 in France. It involves 90 Indian Army soldiers from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 90 French soldiers from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
This drill is important because India is using new, homegrown communication, surveillance, and tactical systems. These systems are tested alongside French technologies in real-life situations. By joining this joint exercise, Indian forces improve their skills and demonstrate the effectiveness of their local defence solutions globally. This partnership allows India and France to share ideas, refine joint tactics, and prepare for complex peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
| Key Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Innovations | Indian-made communication, surveillance, and tactical equipment in action |
| Joint Learning | Real-world validation, best-practice sharing, and operational synergy |
| Strategic Value | Stronger India-France defence ties and readiness for global peace missions |
For anyone interested in defence, the India-France Joint Military Exercise shows how India’s technological growth strengthens its international relationships and operational readiness. Understanding this exercise highlights how homegrown defence developments are making India a stronger, more self-reliant, and respected military power.
Significance for Bilateral Ties
Exercise Shakti 2025 is a key element of the India-France strategic partnership, enhancing defence ties and operational trust. By involving elite units and utilising indigenous Indian technologies, the joint military drill improves interoperability and prepares both armies for emerging security challenges.
Beyond bilateral training, Exercise Shakti highlights a shared commitment to peace and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific context. Its focus on sub-conventional, multi-domain operations under UN Chapter VII aligns both nations with global peacekeeping efforts. A significant outcome is the promotion of defence technology transfer and joint research and development, validating Indian advancements and paving the way for future collaboration.
This cooperation is further demonstrated through other exercises like Varuna and Garuda, showcasing a comprehensive defence partnership. As stated by the Indian Ministry of Defence, Exercise Shakti aims to enhance operational coordination and professional engagement between the two armies, fostering mutual respect and strategic collaboration.
Insights for NDA/Defence Aspirants
Exercise Shakti is crucial for NDA exam preparation, highlighting India’s defence diplomacy. The 8th edition runs from June 18 to July 1, 2025, in France, involving 90 Indian and 90 French troops. It focuses on counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping, key topics for defence exams.
Key Facts to Remember
- 8th edition, June 18–July 1, 2025, Camp Larzac, France.
- 90 personnel from each side: Indian Army (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), French Army (13th DBLE).
- Focus: sub-conventional ops, interoperability, UN peacekeeping, indigenous tech.
- Enhances operational coordination, mutual respect, and professional camaraderie.
Also Read:
India’s Defence Corridors 2025: The Truth No One’s Telling Yet
How India’s Defence Budget Is Set to Double by 2030 [Expert Analysis]
How Exercise Shakti Strengthens India-France Defence Cooperation
Exercise Shakti significantly enhances defence cooperation between India and France by fostering trust, operational synergy, and strategic alignment. Through joint training and the use of indigenous Indian technologies, the exercise prepares both militaries to tackle contemporary challenges such as counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
In the Indo-Pacific context, Exercise Shakti underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and a rules-based order. This collaboration improves understanding of each other’s military strategies, essential for joint peacekeeping missions under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII. It also sets a benchmark for multinational drills, promoting interoperability and best practices among global partners.
Additionally, the exercise encourages defence technology transfer and joint research and development. By training with next-generation equipment developed in India, both nations can validate these technologies in real-world scenarios. As noted by defence officials, Exercise Shakti is a vital element of bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing professional ties and contributing to global peace and security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Exercise Shakti, and which countries participate?
Exercise Shakti is a joint military drill held every two years between India and France. Its goals are to improve how the two armies work together, coordinate operations, and understand each other better. The drill focuses on training for sub-conventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping. It often includes real-world scenarios and the use of local military technologies. The two countries involved in Exercise Shakti are India and France.
2. What is the focus of the 2025 edition?
Exercise Shakti 2025 aims to improve cooperation between the Indian and French armies. The focus is on joint operations for situations like sub-conventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping as per the UN Charter’s Chapter VII. This exercise emphasises working together, tactical coordination, and sharing best practices in semi-urban areas that mimic complex threat environments. Training will include joint planning, search operations, humanitarian aid, and adapting to tough, asymmetric warfare conditions. Overall, the goal is to prepare both armies for real-world multinational missions and strengthen their defence partnership.
3. Which Indian regiment leads the contingent this year?
The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is the Indian regiment leading the Exercise Shakti 2025 contingent. A team of 90 Indian Army members, mostly from this regiment, will represent India in the eighth edition of the joint military exercise with France. This exercise will take place at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie from June 18 to July 1.
4. How does Exercise Shakti contribute to India-France defence ties and indigenous defence development?
Exercise Shakti is crucial for enhancing India-France defence relations and promoting indigenous defence development. Conducting joint training with elite military units improves interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding. The exercise allows both armies to practice tactical manoeuvres and humanitarian aid procedures using advanced Indian-made equipment.
For India, Exercise Shakti showcases its homegrown defence innovations and boosts confidence in its capabilities. It also provides exposure to French military tactics, aiding India’s defence modernisation. For France, the exercise offers insights into India’s operational strengths and fosters collaboration in counter-terrorism.
Strategically, Exercise Shakti strengthens military relationships, builds trust, and supports joint R&D, emphasising both nations’ commitment to regional and global security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and enhances India’s international standing.
Author’s words
Exercise Shakti 2025 serves as a crucial component of the India-France strategic partnership, underscoring both nations’ dedication to operational excellence, indigenous defence innovation, and global peacekeeping. By focusing on multi-domain operations and interoperability, this joint military exercise not only enhances bilateral defence ties but also sets a benchmark for future collaborations. As India’s indigenous technologies are validated on a global stage, the partnership with France is expected to strengthen, ensuring that both countries remain at the forefront of international security cooperation. For more updates and in-depth analysis on Exercise Shakti 2025, visit the NDA Study.
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