La Cavalerie, France | June 12, 2025: Strengthening their long-standing defence ties, India and France are set to begin the 8th edition of their joint military exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ at La Cavalerie in Southern France from June 18 to July 1. The two-week exercise is another crucial step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in the evolving security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
🔍 What is Exercise Shakti 2025?
Shakti exercise, initiated in 2011, is a biennial military engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army. Conducted alternately on Indian and French soil, the exercise focuses on sub-conventional warfare, urban warfare, and counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and rural areas. It serves as a platform for tactical learning and cultural exchange between the two armies.
🛡️ What to Expect in 2025
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🪖 Participating Forces
The Indian Army will be represented by a Rajput Regiment battalion, supported by observers from the Indian Air Force and Navy. The French contingent will primarily comprise troops from the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion (13e DBLE) – an elite infantry unit known for its expeditionary capabilities.
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🌍 Strategic Importance
Beyond tactical exercises, Exercise Shakti 2025 plays a key role in the wider India-France defence cooperation. It complements other bilateral exercises such as:
- Garuda – air combat exercise
- Varuna – naval exercise
- Desert Knight and Tarang Shakti – cooperation between the three services
The exercise reflects the growing synergy between India and France on global security matters, including counter-terrorism cooperation, maritime security, and joint peace efforts.
🧭 Looking Ahead
With global geopolitical tensions rising and the Indo-Pacific region emerging as a hub of strategic interests, exercises like these signal a clear intent: India and France are not just allies in diplomacy, but also partners on the battlefield. The Shakti 2025 exercise is a testament to the commitment of both countries to collective defence, regional stability and global peace.
📝 Conclusion
In a world where security challenges are becoming increasingly complex and transnational, joint military exercises like Shakti 2025 are not just symbolic gestures – they are operational necessities. For India and France, this annual partnership serves to strengthen trust, enhance capabilities and build a united front against future threats.
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