FIRST PHOTOS: Indo-French Exercise Shakti


PRESS RELEASE: Indo-French joint military training exercise SHAKTI 2011 at Chaubatia from October 9-2 was held under the Indian Army’s Garud Division. The French Army had four officers and 50 troops of the 13 Mountain Infantry Battalion while an equal number of Indian officers and troops participating from 2 Bihar under the aegis of the 99 Mountain Brigade.

Exercise Shakti–11 the first ever Indo-French exercise between the two nations which aimed not only at training troops in counter-terrorist operations but also in enhancing defence cooperation and military relations between the two nations. It has provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two countries to share their experiences on counter terrorist operations; especially in mountainous terrain. The exercise was conducted in the areas adjoining the salubrious town of Ranikhet which provided an excellent opportunity for the contingents of the two countries to practice and rehearse drills and procedures related to operations in this rugged terrain.

The activities conducted during training includes familiarization with weapons & equipment being used by both the countries, introduction to the organization, concept and basic tactics at infantry company and platoon level and modalities of conducting complex operations like Area Domination Patrols, Cordon and Search operations and Search and Destroy Operations in counter insurgency environment. Personnel from the French contingent also got a chance to fire infantry weapons being used by the Indian Army during day as well as night.

The training culminated in a 48 hours Consolidation Exercise in which troops of both nations carried out a daring Search and Destroy Operation in the general area of Pilkholi village on the outskirts of Ranikhet. The troops had reached the area of operations after a grueling march throughout the night of 20th Oct 11 and thereafter carried out a precise, well coordinated and executed operation to neutralize the terrorists hiding in the dense forests of Pilkholi. The search and destroy mission included clearing and destruction of a terrorist hideout, employment of the Quick Reaction Teams to neutralize escaping terrorists and carrying out a thorough search of the dense forest. The highlight of the event was an audacious and surgical Raid by heliborne commandoes of both armies on a simulated target. The commandoes of the French Army also employed their Paragliding skills and laid effective stops by employing three paragliding commandoes during the raid. The final phase of the exercise was reviewed by Brigadier General Herve Wattecamps and Colonel Bertrand Lavaux as representatives of France and Major General Rajesh Arya, Vishishtha Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding, 6 Mountain Division and Brigadier A K Yadav, Commander, 99 Mountain Brigade representing India.

The General Officer Commanding during the interaction with the press, said ‘During the course of training, besides honing their counter terrorism skills and sharing their experiences on the Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist operations, the troops developed a remarkable mutual understanding and inter-operability that will further strengthen relations between our two great armies.’ The General Officer declared the exercise an ‘unprecedented success’.

Photos / DPR Defence

11 thoughts on “FIRST PHOTOS: Indo-French Exercise Shakti”

  1. Shiv – it would be a good idea to mention the state after the place in your postings. For example, it would give general sense where Chaubatia is and we won't have to Google it !

  2. Dear Shiv,

    Kudos to that man who selected the site and place for the joint exercises in picterious and very beautiful Chaubatia. In fact it can further be developed infrastructurally as a vanue for an established International exercises minus the Tigers which freely raod around. The view of Himalyays from the place is breathtaking and surrounding so good. The terrain is tough and very good for training. It is a remote isolated place giving it a feel being in Europe except for its altitude and pleasant but biting cold waves.

    India should further develop this place for rgular international training events and compititions. All SARC and third world militaries will enjoy this vanue tremendiously. The French could be taken for a five days trek so that they know the difference between Alps, Andies and Himalayas.

    Happy hunting guys. Wish you all a memorable stay. Do offer some thing at the tample there to be away from harm from the Tiger population.

  3. From what I read, most counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism warfare is done using some sort of UAV/UCAV combination. I don't understand what new the French would have showed us, if its not the UAV/UCAV techniques and vice-versa. Especially for our traditional external threat scenarios, as they are situated in hilly terrain and high altitude areas, we need major improvement in UCAV capabilities. Maybe even new logistics and deployment system, wherein each patrol/platoon is equipped with UCAV capability. Also most modern warfare is done at night. Why are these guys doing whatever they are doing in day-time? Maybe showoff for semi-literate Indian population.

  4. Indian soldiers are wearing helmets, while the french are wearing beautiful berets. BTW, are those berets bullet proof.

  5. @Anon10.06: pal, she might look like Monika, but I believe this lady soldier has more balls than you! Remember this Mountain Infantry Battalion fought in Afghanistan (and lost a soldier there). They have a true ops experience to share with.

  6. Hey Makapaka, it's a joke dude. Get some fiber in your diet. And losing one soldier means nothing these days ok? The French pilots were considered to be the _worst_ in the Red Flag the IAF participated. So bad that they'd just idle their planes on the Runway rather than fly the sortie. So stop with the French nonsense and take it down a notch.

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