Over the years, joint defence exercises between the two nations have grown in size and complexity
Army personnel from India and France will come together for the 7th edition of joint military drill Exercise Shakti to be held from May 13-16, 2024. The exercise is scheduled to take place at Umroi in Meghalaya, India. Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are also likely to be a part of Exercise Shakti 2024.

According to the Indian Army, the aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake Multi Domain Operations in a Sub Conventional Scenario.

"The joint exercise will facilitate developing #interoperability, #bonhomie and #camaraderie between Armed Forces of both the Nations," the Indian Army said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. 

The Sixth Edition of the India- France joint military exercise was held at the Military School of Draguignan, France with an opening ceremony on November 15, 2021. The Indian Army contingent was represented by a composite team of three Officers, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 37 soldiers from a battalion of Gorkha Rifles and support arms.

Over the years, joint defence exercises between the two nations have grown in size and complexity. In addition to Shakti, India and France also participate in joint bilateral military drills like Exercise Garuda (Air Force) and Exercise Varuna (Navy).

The close defence relationship between India and France was on display when a 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces participated in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on July 14, 2023. Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force formed part of the fly past during the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour. 

Defence cooperation between the two sides is reviewed under the Annual Defence Dialogue at the Defence Minister level and the High Committee on Defence Cooperation at the Secretary level. The 5th Annual Ministerial-level Defence Dialogue was held on October 11, 2023 in Paris. The HCDC meeting was held in Paris in November 2021. 

The India-France Strategic Partnership was established in 1998. It is based on a commitment to international law and belief in a multipolar world shaped by reformed and effective multilateralism.