Indo-French joint training exercise in Rajasthan soon

The Exercise Shakti-2016 with France is set to get underway later this month at Bikaner, with a focus on counter-terrorism operations in the backdrop of semi-urban terrain under a UN mandate

After conducting a two-week joint military exercise with Russia in Rajasthan in November, Exercise Shakti-2016 with France is set to get underway later this month at Bikaner, over 350 kms from here, with a focus on counter-terrorism operations in the backdrop of semi-urban terrain under a UN mandate.

"A contingent of French army personnel will arrive at Bikaner in next few days to participate in the exercise," a defence ministry press release issued here on Friday said

Exercise Shakti-2016, which will be held in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, is the third edition in the series and would be conducted in two phases - combat conducting and tactical training and validation exercise.

To achieve inter-operability in joint real-life operations in the future, troops from a French motorised brigade and an Indian Army infantry unit would strive to acquaint themselves with the arms and equipment, command and control systems and operational tactics of each other, the release said.

Exercise Shakti-2016 would also focus on ensuring a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures, the release added.