India and France will begin their eight-day counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise Shakti-2016 in Rajasthan tomorrow. The French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, which had taken part in the Afghan war.<br/><br/>A statement by the Indian Army said, the exercise is an important step for the armies to train together and gain from each other's rich operational experience. Both countries have troops deployed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations and therefore sharing each other's military experiences will pay meaningful dividends.

In Rajasthan, the French Army contingent participating in Indo – French joint training Exercise "Shakti – 2016" has arrived in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner district. The French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, is led by Maj Thibaut De Lacoste Lareymondie. The exercise will start tomorrow . <br/><br/>The Indo-French Joint Counter-terrorism Exercise Shakti 2016 is an important step for the Armies to train together and gain from each other's rich operational experience. Both countries have troops deployed in counter-insurgency/ counter-terrorist operations and are therefore sharing each other's military experiences. Second Battalion of Garhwal Rifles of the Sapta Shakti Command has been nominated for this exercise.