India to host France for a joint military exercise from October 31

Armies of India and France will carry out counter-terrorism drills under joint exercise code-named 'Ex Shakti -2019' beginning October 31 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. exercise which will be conducted at Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan from October 31 to November 13 will focus on counter-terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-desert terrain under United Nations Mandate.

RE | Rajnath Singh approves Two OGEL's To Push Defence Exports

Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent Indian Army

Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent Indian Army in this exercise while troops of 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of 6th Armoured Brige will be present on behalf of Army of France. training will focus primarily on high degree of physical fitness, sharing of drill at a tactical level and learning of best practices from each or. It is being conducted with aim of enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between two Armies. exercise, which is a part of biennial exercise conducted alternately in India and France, will come to an end with a 36-hour long validation exercise.

RE | Rajnath Singh Narrates 'unforgettable' Supersonic Sortie In Rafale Jet

'Fruitful deliberations'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, October 9, that he h "fruitful deliberations" with his French counterpart during which y reviewed full spectrum of bilateral defence engagement and reaffirmed ir strong commitment to furr deepen cooperation to combat terrorism. Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly held second ministerial-level Annual Defence Dialogue between two countries in Paris on Tuesday night after France formally handed over first Rafale fighter jet to India.

Soon after meeting, Singh tweeted that he "h fruitful deliberations" with Parly. "We assessed and reviewed full spectrum of our bilateral defence engagement," he said. two ministers comprehensively reviewed entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of India-France strategic partnership, defence ministry said in a statement. "Both leers also reaffirmed strong intention of two sides to furr deepen bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism," it said.

RE | '18 Rafale Jets By 2021', Says Rajnath Singh Laying Delivery Romap

RE | Rajnath Singh Boards French Military Aircraft From Paris To Mérignac

(INPUTS FROM ANI)