Jaipur, Nov 13 (IANS): The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and French Army, 'Exercise SHAKTI-2019' concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, on Wednesday.

The ceremony was reviewed by Brigadier General Jean Christophe Bechon, Commandant 6th Light Armoured Brigade, French Army and Major General Inderjit Singh, General Officer Commanding, Gandiv Division of Sapta Shakti Command.

An infantry platoon group of The Sikh Regiment part of Sapta Shakti Command and a platoon group of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment, part of 6th Armoured Brigade, represented India and France respectively in the exercise.

Exercise SHAKTI-2019 was a two-phased exercise. In the inter-operability phase, the contingents underwent rigorous combat conditioning and tactical training.

The training received by both the armies in inter-operability phase was put into practice in the validation phase. The contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included establishment of observation posts, cordon and search operation and house clearing drills. Both the armies shared valuable combat experience of counter terrorists operations.

Exercise SHAKTI-2019 has been a resounding success with both contingents achieving inter-operability and coordination in conducting successful Counter Terrorist Operations in semi urban environment under a United Nations Mandate.

The closing ceremony marked the successful culmination of Exercise SHAKTI-2019 and witnessed march-past by both the contingents, exchange of mementoes and Band Display.

The Reviewing Officers in their address congratulated the participating troops for representing their Nations, displaying the highest standards of training and ethos and achieving the mandated aim of Exercise Shakti which have further strengthened military relations between India and France.