India’s first multilateral air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will see a strong representation from the French Air and Space Force, beginning on August 6, 2024, at Air Force Station Sulur in Tamil Nadu.
The French contingent, part of the two-month-long “PEGASE 24” mission, will bring three Rafale fighter jets, a Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, and an A400M, accompanied by 160 personnel. This exercise will also include participation from Germany and Spain, reflecting the broader European commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific.
The PEGASE 24 mission underscores France’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, where it maintains territories and emphasizes the rule of law and multilateralism. This mission, which spans 13 partner nations and includes three major exercises, aims to strengthen interoperability with key allies like India.
In an official statement issued by the Embassy of France in New Delhi, Ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted France’s commitment as a resident power in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of the European presence, with Germany and Spain also participating in the exercise.
The French Chief of Air Staff, General Stéphane Mille, will visit India from August 12-14 to attend the closing ceremony of Tarang Shakti and meet Indian counterparts, further cementing the strong ties between the two nations. This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges and joint military exercises, including SHAKTI in Meghalaya, the Milan naval exercise, and the India-France-UAE air trilateral exercise. These engagements illustrate the deep and evolving military cooperation between France and India.
Significance of Tarang Shakti-2024
The importance of Tarang Shakti-2024 lies not only in its operational aspects but also in its role as a symbol of multilateralism and strategic partnership. The participation of European nations alongside India highlights a collective commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. This exercise showcases the increasing complexity and interoperability of joint defense efforts, strengthening the strategic bond between India and its allies in the region.