March 7, 2023
DHAKA – The armies of France and India hold their first joint exercise in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala state, from today, the Indian Defence Ministry said yesterday.
It is for the first time the armies of both the countries are engaging in this format with each contingent comprising of a company group each from Thiruvananthapuram-based Indian Army troops and French 6th Light Armoured Brigade, reports our New Delhi correspondent.
The scope of the exercise involves establishment and operationalisation of a joint command post to secure an envisaged area for undertaking joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, establishing an internally displaced population camp and move of disaster relief material, the ministry said in a statement.
“The joint exercise will further cement defence cooperation with France which is a key aspect of the overall Indo-France strategic partnership,” it added.