New Delhi [India]: The 8th edition of the India-France joint military exercise, Exercise Shakti 2025, is set to commence on June 18 and continue till July 1 at La Cavalerie, France.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG-PI) confirmed the development via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the military drill is designed to enhance interoperability and coordination between the two forces in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
“Exercise #Shakti 2025, the 8th edition of the joint military exercise between #India and #France, is scheduled from 18 June to 01 July 2025 at #LaCavalerie, #France,” read the ADG-PI post.
The joint drill aims to strengthen the two nations’ ability to execute Multi-Domain Operations (MDOs) in challenging situations, thereby boosting operational synergy, mutual trust, and camaraderie between their armies.
Exercise Shakti is part of the broader strategic defence cooperation between India and France. It is conducted biennially, alternating between the two countries. The last edition of Exercise Shakti was held at Umroi, Meghalaya, India in May 2023.
During the previous edition, the Indian contingent included 90 personnel primarily from the RAJPUT Regiment, along with elements from other arms and services, while the French side was represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). Observers from the Indian Navy and Air Force also participated, reflecting the exercise’s multi-domain character.
The exercise falls under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and focuses on joint operations in sub-conventional scenarios, ensuring preparedness for peacekeeping and counter-insurgency missions.
The upcoming edition is expected to further cement India-France defence ties and promote deeper military collaboration amid growing global security challenges.