Military exercise Shakti-2016

Question: Recently a Military training ‘Exercise Shakti-2016’ is started between the following two countries?

(a) India- France
(b) India-Japan
(c) India- Sri Lanka
(d) India-China

Ans (a)

Related facts:

  • India and France on 8 January 2016 started their eight-day counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise Shakti-2016 in Rajasthan.
  • This is the third edition in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner and is being held in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan’s Bikaner.
  • The exercise will be focused on counter terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United Nations Mandate.
  • It is an important step for the armies to train together and gain from each other’s rich operational experience.
  • The joint training would focus on high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedure.
  • French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, which had taken part in the Afghan war, will participate in the Shakti-2016. The contingent led by Major Thibaut De Lacoste Lareymondie arrived Jodhpur on 6 January 2016.
  • On the other hand, the Indian contingent to participate in the exercise will be the 2nd Battalion of Garhwal Rifles, part of the Sapta Shakti Command.
  • The exercise would be conducted in two phases, namely combat conducting and tactical training and validation exercise.

Reference:

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/indo-french-military-exercise-shakti-2016-begins-in-rajasthan-today_1842857.html

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Indo-French-military-exercise-Shakti-2016-begins/articleshow/50509981.cms

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/exercise-shakti-2016-to-be-held-in-january-116010100451_1.html