• The maiden joint military exercise — FRINJEX-23 — between Indian Army and French Army began at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram.

• An over 100-member strong French contingent arrived at the Pangode Military Station Thiruvananthapuram to participate in the two-day joint military exercise with Indian troops.

• The French contingent comprised six officers and 111 troops. The French contingent is part of the 6th Light Armoured Brigade which is onboard the Dixmude ship.

• The joint military exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and cooperation between both the forces at the tactical level.

• It is for the first time both the nations are engaging in this format with each contingent comprising a Company Group.

• The theme for the exercise is based on ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations in a Contested Environment’.

• The joint exercise intends to consolidate the Indo-France strategic partnership at the tactical level and build a strong foundation for both the nations to collaborate for peace and harmony.

Other exercises with France:

• Varuna - bilateral naval exercise between Indian Navy and French Navy.

• Garuda - Bilateral exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF).

• Shakti - Bilateral exercise between the armies of India and France.

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