The imminent Indo-French military exercise, Shakti 2021, is creating a stir in news headlines. This is the sixth edition of the bilateral joint training exercise, which is scheduled for execution in Frejus, France, come November. The Indian representation will comprise a platoon-strength selection from a Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion.
Shakti 2021: Unraveling the Details
The primary objective of Shakti 2021 is to concentrate on counter-terrorism operations amid backdrop semi-urban terrain under the supervision of the United Nations. The motive behind this focus is to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the armies of India and France.
This biennial event started in 2011 and has since alternated venues between India and France. The last edition of Shakti, held in Rajasthan, India in 2019, emphasized counter-terrorism operations on semi-desert terrains.
India-France Defence Exercise Portfolio
Shakti is not the only defence exercise India conducts with France. Apart from this, two additional exercises take place. Varuna, the naval exercise, and Desert Knight-21 alongside Garuda, the air exercise. These exercises further aid in strengthening the military bond between these two nations.
Other Joint Military Exercises Conducted by India
In addition to Shakti, India conducts several other joint military exercises with various countries. Gagan Shakti, executed by the Indian Air Force, is an endeavor to showcase its dominance over the extended area of the Indian Ocean Region.
Meanwhile, Garuda Shakti is a cooperative military effort between India and Indonesia. Mitra Shakti sees India collaborate with Sri Lanka, and Harimau Shakti is a joint military exercise involving India and Malaysia.
These military endeavors all aim at reinforcing alliance and understanding between nations, enhancing combat skills, and counter-terrorism strategies among the participating countries.
Shakti 2021: A Step forward in Global Military Cooperation
These joint military exercises, including the upcoming Shakti 2021, symbolize the commitment to peace and stability worldwide. By collaborating with different countries for these exercises, India exemplifies its willingness to encourage cooperation and interoperability among global military forces.
Through these initiatives, not only does India get a platform to display its military strength and strategies, but it also fosters better relationships with these nations. This helps in solidifying India’s position globally and aids in maintaining peace.
It is essential to mention that these military exercises go beyond showcasing power or dominance. They stand as a testament to international cooperation and unity in combating global issues like terrorism, thereby ensuring a safer world.
The upcoming Shakti 2021, with its focus on counter-terrorism operations, aligns perfectly with this objective, further strengthening the Indo-France bond while contributing positively to global peace and stability.