Exercise Shakti 2025 ended in France where Indo-French military training was conducted in 8 days. It was targeted to enhance operational preparedness and comprehensibility between 2 armies. The participants consisted of more than 500 French soldiers and 90 of the Indian (Mainly Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) soldiers. Several armies participated in the drill: numerous French armies, Army, Navy, Air & Space Force, and the Foreign Legion. The exercise is a major milestone in advancing defence ties between India and France.

Context

• Exercise Shakti 2025 was a bilateral military exercise between the two countries of India and France to enhance strategic defence relationships and foster interoperability.

Key Highlights

Exercise Overview

• Date: June 18-25, 2025
• Location: France

Participants:

• France: 500+ troops consisting of different units
• India: 90 soldiers, most of whom belonged to Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
• Involved Branches: Navy, Foreign Legion, French Army and Air & Space Force

Objectives

• Maximize joint military operation interoperability
• Enhance military to military cooperation
• Develop integrated tactical, operational and communication capability

Significance

• Fosters security on the regional and global levels
• Enhances each others confidence building and readiness to peacekeeping and counter-terrorist operations
• Points to India-France increasing strategic relationship in the Indo-Pacific region

Other Key Indo-French Military Exercises

Conclusion

The present day Shakti 2025 is a demonstration of strong and growing Indo-French defence ties and the interaction can act as a site of mutually preparedness, cross-combatancy as well as trust. It fosters greater Indo-Pacific co-operation and enhances bilateral strategic relations.