India–France Exercise SHAKTI-VIII begins at Camp Larzac, France
From 18 June 2025 at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France, the Indian and French Armies are holding the 8th edition of the biennial joint military exercise SHAKTI, running till 1 July 2025.
Summary
The 8th edition of the biennial India–France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI is being held at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France from 18 June to 1 July 2025; the Indian Army contingent departed on 17 June. The 90-member Indian contingent is drawn primarily from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and the 90-member French contingent from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). The edition focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training in semi-urban terrain. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, operational coordination and military-to-military ties.
Key facts
- Dates and venue
- 18 June – 1 July 2025, Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France
- Edition
- 8th (SHAKTI-VIII)
- Indian contingent
- 90 personnel, mainly a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
- French contingent
- 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE)
- Focus
- Sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, semi-urban terrain
- Exercise SHAKTI (static)
- Biennial training engagement between the Indian and French Armies (PIB)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where is the 8th edition of the India–France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI being held from 18 June 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France
PIB (MoD): The exercise will be conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France from 18 June 2025 to 1 July 2025.
The Indian Army contingent for Exercise SHAKTI-VIII is represented primarily by a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: D — Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
PIB (MoD): The 90-member Indian contingent is represented primarily by a Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Consider the following statements about Exercise SHAKTI: 1. It is a biennial training engagement between the Indian and French Armies. 2. The edition beginning on 18 June 2025 is its 8th edition. 3. The 2025 edition focuses on joint operations under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoD): SHAKTI is a biennial engagement and the 2025 exercise is its 8th edition; it focuses on operations under Chapter VII, not Chapter VI, of the UN Charter. So the answer is 1 and 2 only.