India & France To Hold Joint Military Exercise Shakti – 2016 To Fight Terror

An Indo - French joint military training exercise named Exercise Shakti - 2016 will be held in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in the month of January. A contingent of French Army personnel will arrive at Bikaner in a few days to participate in this exercise.  French President François Hollande would be the chief guest on Republic Day this year. According to sources, deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets would also be signed during Hollande’s visit. That shows the growing military relationship between the two nations.

France and India have a friendship of unmatched mutual confidence, trust and goodwill.  France has been the pillar of strength for India’s development, security and international relations.  India too has always stood with France through its challenges.  Exercise Shakti-2016 reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-France strategic partnership.

Exercise Shakti (File Photo)

Exercise Shakti-2016 is the third edition in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner.  The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United Nation Mandate.  To achieve inter-operability in joint real life operations in the future, troops from French (I) Motorised Brigade and Indian Army’s Infantry Unit would strive to acquaint themselves with the arms and equipment, command and control system and operational tactics of each other.  The joint training would also focus on high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedure.  A comprehensive training Programe for a period of two weeks has been worked out for achieving the same.  During the exercise, participants will engage in variety of missions from joint planning, cordon and search operations, search and rescue, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.

India nand French Troops Dring Exercise Shakti (File Photo)

The exercise would be conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Range and on completion of the same, the personnel of the two Armies would strive to gain experience and learning from each other on terrorist solutions.  The exercise would be conducted in two phases, namely combat conducting and tactical training and validation exercise. 

The size and scope of this combined exercise is unparalleled and will be characterized by regular realistic, academic and natural exchange which would form part of Shakti-2016.  The broadened and unprecedented scope of the exercise stands as a testament to the well netted people to people and military to military ties between France and India.