India, France To Conduct 6th Edition Of Bilateral Army Exercise Next Week

The Indian Army will be conducting the sixth edition of its biennial training exercise with their French counterparts from 15^th November-26^th November in Fresjus, France.

Earlier this year, India carried out Air Force and Naval exercises with France, Indian Express reports.

A platoon strength of a Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion will be participating in this exercise. On the other hand, troops of the 21^st Marine Infantry Regiment of the 6^th Light Armoured Brigade will be representing the French side.

“The exercise will focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United Nations Mandate with an aim to enhance military cooperation and inter-operability between the two Armies,” the Indian Army’s statement read, as reported by the Indian Express.

The previous edition of this Shakti exercise took place in 2019 at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, the exercise between the air forces of the two nations took place at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in January whereas the two naval forces carried out their concerned Varuna exercise in the Arabian sea in April this year.