Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 6 (PTI) An over 100-member strong French contingent arrived at the Pangode Military Station here on Monday evening to participate in a two-day joint military exercise with Indian troops.

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The French contingent, which will take part in the maiden military exercise, comprised six officers and 111 troops, a Defence statement said.

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"Indian Army personnel of Pangode Military Station hosted an overwhelming welcome in a traditional manner to the French military contingent," it said.

Titled FRINJEX-23, the joint military exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and cooperation between both the forces at the tactical level, the statement said.

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

On March 7, there will be an opening ceremony at 8 AM and then from 9 AM to 5 PM there will be a joint training of both the Indian and French contingents.

At 10.30 PM there will be night training and exercise, the statement said.

On March 8, there will be joint training of both contingents from 9 AM to 11.30 AM and from noon to 1 PM there will be joint technology and weapon display as well as fusing and interchange of ideas, it said.

The closing ceremony would be held at 6.30 PM, it added.

The French contingent is part of the 6th Light Armoured Brigade which is onboard the Dixmude ship.

The theme for the exercise is based on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations in a Contested Environment, the statement said.

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, it said.

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