Indo-french military exercise from October 31

BIKANER: Indian and French troops will carry out counterterrorism drills under a joint exercise beginning October 31 Bikaner, officials said.

The exercise, code-named ‘Exercise SHAKTI -2019’, will be conducted at Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan from October 31 to November 13. The exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in the backdrop of semi-desert terrain under the United Nations mandate.

Col o nel Sombit Ghosh, Defence PRO , Rajasthan, said the Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent the Indian Army while troops of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of 6th Armored Brigade will be present on behalf of the Army of France. The training will focus primarily on the high degree of physical fitness, sharing of the drill at a tactical level and learning of the best practices from each other.

The exercise is being conducted with the aim of enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between the two Armies, Ghosh said. The exercise, which is a part of biennial exercise conducted alternately in India and France, will come to an end with a 36-hour-long validation exercise, he said.

The s e r i e s o f ‘ Exerc i s e SHAKTI’ commenced in 2011.

“The exercise is an important step for the armies to train together and gain from each other’s rich operational experience,” Ghosh said. “Both countries have troops deployed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations and therefore sharing each other’s military experiences will pay meaningful dividends.”