Indo-French joint military exercise SHAKTI concluded

Bikaner: The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and French Army, Exercise 'SHAKTI-2019’ was held at Mahajan Field Firing Range here on Wednesday.

The aim of the exercise was to achieve interoperability, to acquaint each other with operational procedures, combat drills and understand the functioning in such a situation. It was evident that both the armies were able to achieve this aim, Indian Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand said.

The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning and tactical training was completed successfully by both the contingents.  

The training received by both the armies in the first phase was put into practice in the second phase which was termed as validation stage.

Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included establishment of observation posts, cordon and search operation and house clearing drills including evacuation of causalities using helicopters.

The exercise also included newly inducted ‘RUDRA’ helicopter, the weaponised version of the Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv' produced indigenously by India.

The closing ceremony was organized as a solemn occasion to felicitate outstanding soldiers and to showcase each other’s cultural and martial heritage, he added.  

Both the armies shared valuable combat experience with respect to countering terrorist operations in an international environment.