Indo-French bilateral military 'Exercise Shakti - 2019' kicks off

The joint military training exercise between India and France ‘Exercise Shakti – 2019’ has commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 31. In the opening ceremony, National flags of the two participating nations were unfurled as well as the National Anthems, “Jana Gana Mana” and the “La Marseillaise” were played.

On October 26, the French contingent of a platoon group of 21st Marine Infantry Regiment Comprising of 45 persons landed at Bikaner directly from France. The contingent of the Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent the Indian Army in this exercise. The 14 days schedule is focused upon joint training on Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism environment. Series of 'Exercise Shakti' between India and France commenced in 2011.

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Aim of the exercise

The training will focus primarily on a high degree of physical fitness, sharing of the drill at the tactical level and learning of best practices from each other. The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies. The exercise will culminate in a 36-hour long validation exercise which will involve neutralization of terrorists in a village hideout. The joint exercise will facilitate both armies to know each other better, share their wide experiences and enhance their situational awareness through information exchange. 

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Indo-Japanese Exercise Dharma Guardian 2019 

Earlier, the second edition of the joint bilateral exercises between India and Japan, 'Exercise Dharma Guardian - 2019' which had begun on October 19 has culminated on October 31 in Mizoram. The Japanese contingent was represented by 34th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF), while the Indian side was represented by a battalion of the Dogra Regiment. 25 soldiers from each battalion participated in this joint exercise. The exercise is set to conclude on November 2. The Indian Forces and the Japanese forces participated in counter-terrorism operations and optimum employment of specialist equipment. The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents in Counter Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations in mountainous terrains.

READ | India & France To Hold Joint Military Exercise 'Shakti 2019' On Oct 31

READ | Indian, Japanese Armies Hold Joint Exercise In Mizoram