“It is for the first-time armies of both the nations are engaging in this format with each contingent comprising of a Company Group each from the Thiruvananthapuram based Indian Army troops and French 6th Light Armoured Brigade,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at enhancing inter-operability, coordination, and cooperation between both forces at the tactical level.

“The scope of the exercise involves establishment and operationalization of a joint command post to secure an envisaged area for undertaking joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, establishing an Internally Displaced Population (IDP) camp and move of disaster relief material,” the statement noted.

The statement added that “the Joint exercise will further cement defense cooperation with France which is a key aspect of the overall Indo-France strategic partnership”. (ILKHA)