India and France Conclude Joint Military Exercise 'SHAKTI 2026'
The 8th edition of the bilateral military exercise 'SHAKTI' between the Indian Army and the French Army concluded in Meghalaya, focusing on counter-terrorism.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Exercise SHAKTI 2026, the 8th edition, was a joint military exercise between the Indian and French Armies held in Meghalaya from April 24 to May 5, 2026.
- The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and joint training in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under a UN mandate.
- Key drills included room intervention, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and the use of specialized drone technology.
- The Indian Army contingent was represented by the 9th Gorkha Rifles, and the French Army by the 13th Light Infantry Battalion.
- SHAKTI is a biennial exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices between the two armies.
- This exercise is part of a broader India-France defence cooperation that includes naval exercise Varuna and air exercise Garuda.
- The 2026 edition emphasized the integration of niche technologies and joint planning in complex security scenarios.
- The exercise concluded successfully, strengthening the strategic defence partnership between India and France.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
Key Facts to Remember: India and France Conclude Joint Military Exercise 'SHAKTI 2026'
- Exercise SHAKTI 2026, the 8th edition, was a joint military exercise between the Indian and French Armies held in Meghalaya from April 24 to May 5, 2026.
- The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and joint training in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under a UN mandate.
- Key drills included room intervention, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and the use of specialized drone technology.
- The Indian Army contingent was represented by the 9th Gorkha Rifles, and the French Army by the 13th Light Infantry Battalion.
- SHAKTI is a biennial exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices between the two armies.
- This exercise is part of a broader India-France defence cooperation that includes naval exercise Varuna and air exercise Garuda.
- The 2026 edition emphasized the integration of niche technologies and joint planning in complex security scenarios.
- The exercise concluded successfully, strengthening the strategic defence partnership between India and France.
Practice Questions
Q1. What was the primary focus of the joint military exercise 'SHAKTI 2026'?
- Maritime security and anti-piracy operations
- Counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains
- Joint air combat and strategic airlift
- Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance
Explanation: Exercise SHAKTI 2026 specifically focused on enhancing capabilities in counter-terrorism operations within semi-urban and mountainous terrains, conducted under a United Nations mandate.
Q2. Which edition of the 'SHAKTI' exercise was conducted in 2026?
- 6th Edition
- 7th Edition
- 8th Edition
- 9th Edition
Explanation: The 2026 edition marked the 8th iteration of the biennial joint military exercise 'SHAKTI' between the Indian and French Armies.
Q3. In which location was the 'SHAKTI 2026' exercise held?
- Rajasthan, India
- Toulon, France
- Dehradun, India
- Meghalaya, India
Explanation: The 8th edition of Exercise SHAKTI 2026 concluded at the Umroi Training Node, located in Meghalaya, India.
Q4. Besides 'SHAKTI' (Army), which other major joint military exercises are conducted between India and France?
- Malabar (Navy) and Pitch Black (Air Force)
- Indra (Army) and Vostok (Army)
- Garuda (Air Force) and Varuna (Navy)
- Sampriti (Army) and Milan (Navy)
Explanation: India and France conduct joint exercises across different services: 'SHAKTI' for the Army, 'Garuda' for the Air Force, and 'Varuna' for the Navy.
Q5. What was a key technological aspect emphasized during Exercise SHAKTI 2026?
- Cyber warfare simulation
- Deployment of specialized drone technology
- Advanced submarine detection systems
- Electronic warfare jamming techniques
Explanation: The exercise incorporated the strategic deployment of specialized drone technology, highlighting the integration of niche technologies in modern warfare scenarios.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams — India and France Conclude Joint Military Exercise…
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.
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