In a dusty stretch of Southern France, soldiers from India and France are running drills side by side. This is Exercise SHAKTI-VIII, the latest chapter in a long-standing military partnership, and it’s happening right now in La Cavalerie. Indian troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with an all-arms contingent, are deep in the field, training with France’s renowned 13ᵉ Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13e DBLE).
The focus? Sub-conventional warfare — the kind that doesn’t always follow rules. The two sides are sharpening skills in combat shooting, tactical moves, and obstacle navigation, working not just on muscle memory but on mutual trust.
There’s more than just boots on the ground here. Live-fire drills saw soldiers handle high-tech weapons — India’s new indigenous rifles, precise and modular, met their match with France’s rugged firearms. And the coordination? Surprisingly seamless, given the language gap.
Electronic Warfare is another major part of this joint effort. Both sides are diving into real-time electromagnetic spectrum operations, learning to disrupt and defend in the unseen parts of battle. The counter-drone sessions were a clear highlight, with both countries showing off their latest C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) tech. Drones are changing warfare — and both armies know it.
Off the field? That’s where it gets real. Planners from both sides sit down, map out how they’d handle the tough stuff. Real missions. Real stakes. It’s not all about gear and guns — it’s trust. Fast thinking. Moving like one unit.
SHAKTI-VIII? Not just a drill. It’s a clear message. India and France aren’t just shaking hands — they’re locking arms. On the ground, in strategy rooms, with tech that matters. And honestly? In a world this shaky, having that kind of bond — yeah, it counts. Big time.
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