Indian Army troops preparing for exercise Shakti

Jaisalmer: Troops of Sikh Regiment on Saturday conducted drill in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan ahead of commencement of joint military exercise Shakti between troops of India and France on October 31.The French Army troops arrived India on Saturday.

The drill will be held at Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Jaisalmer.

The biennial exercise which was started in 2011, is conducted alternatively in both countries.

As part of  Exercise SHAKTI – 2019,  French Army troops will be arriving in India on October 26 for training with Indian Troops. The bilateral  training exercise will be conducted at Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan-based Defence PRO Col Sombit Ghosh had said.

A contingent of the Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent Indian Army while the French Army delegation would be represented by troops of 21st Marine Infantry Regiment  of 6th Armoured Brigade.

The exercise which will conclude on November 13, would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-desert terrain under United Nations Mandate.

The training will focus primarily on high degree of physical fitness, sharing of drill at tactical level and learning of best practices from each other.

The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies.

It will culminate in a 36 hours long validation exercise which will involve neutralization of terrorists in a village hideout, Col Ghosh had added.