India and France began a two-week joint military exercise in the northeastern Himalayan state of Meghalaya, officials said on Monday.
The seventh edition of the joint exercise named Shakti (power) between India and France commenced in Umroi, Meghalaya after a formal opening ceremony, the Indian Army said on Monday.
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou also attended the opening ceremony.
“The joint exercise will facilitate in developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between Armed Forces of both the Nations,” the army said.
A statement issued by the French Embassy in India said that this year's exercise “focusses on training for ground control operation in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under United Nations mandate and will last until May 26.”
“It marks a new level of complexity compared to previous editions as it has fielded twice as many troops as before....and includes for the first time Air Force assets as well as Navy and Air Force observers,” it said.
The first Shakti exercise was held between the two nations in 2011. Then, the Indian government had said, it was also aimed at “enhancing defence cooperation and military relations between the two nations.”
