A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, departed for Exercise Shakti-VIII, a joint Indo-French military exercise held from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in southern France. The French side is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
The biennial exercise focuses on joint operations in sub-conventional warfare under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, conducted in semi-urban terrain. It aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and operational understanding between the two armies through shared drills and training in modern military technologies.
Beyond military synergy, the exercise aims to strengthen strategic ties and camaraderie between India and France, reinforcing their growing defence partnership.
