Indo-French Army Exercise ‘Shakti 2025’
Context: The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti 2025, a bilateral Indo-French Army exercise, concluded in France on July 2, 2025, after commencing on June 18.
Key Highlights:
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Participants:
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India: 90 personnel, primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with members from other services.
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France: Over 500 personnel from the French Army, Foreign Legion, Air and Space Force, and Navy.
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Objective: Enhance joint operational preparedness and deepen interoperability between Indian and French armed forces.
This exercise reflects the growing strategic defence cooperation between India and France, especially in the backdrop of evolving regional and global security challenges.
Some key India-France joint military exercises across different domains:
1. Army Exercises
Exercise Shakti (Biennial)
Type: Joint Army exercise
Focus: Counter-terrorism, mountain warfare, and interoperability.
First Edition: 2011 (India), held alternately in both countries.
2. Naval Exercises
Exercise Varuna (Annual)
Type: Naval war games
Focus: Anti-submarine warfare, carrier operations, and maritime security.
First Edition: 1993 (renamed Varuna in 2001).
Recent Editions: Includes aircraft carriers, submarines, and fighter jets.
3. Air Force Exercises
Exercise Garuda (Biennial)
Type: Air Force drills
Focus: Air combat, aerial refueling, and multi-role operations.
First Edition: 2003 (Jodhpur, India).
Recent Editions: Rafale vs. Su-30MKI dogfights, joint strike missions.
4. Special Forces Exercises
Exercise Desert Knight (Air Force + Special Ops)
Bilateral to Trilateral (India-France-UAE)
Initially, Desert Knight was a bilateral exercise between India and France
UAE Air Force joined, making it a three-nation exercise.
First Trilateral Edition Conducted in Al-Dhafra Air Base, UAE (January 2023).
Strengthening the Framework
Builds on the India-France-UAE Trilateral Initiative (Feb 2022) launched by foreign ministers.
Aims to enhance interoperability in complex air operations.