The 8th edition of the biennial Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at La Cavalerie, France today. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 90 personnel, is primarily represented by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services. The French contingent represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade is also comprising 90 personnel. Exercise SHAKTI is a bilateral training engagement between the Indian and French Armies aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding. The 2025 edition focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training conducted in semi-urban terrain. Over the course of the exercise, participating troops will engage in joint tactical drills, share best practices and operational insights, and strengthen bonds of camaraderie and trust. The culmination of the exercise will reaffirm the shared commitment of India and France towards peace, stability, and global security.