New Delhi: The maiden Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23 between Indian Army and French Army will be conducted at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Mar 7 and Mar 8.

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, read a government statement.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing inter-operability, coordination and cooperation between both forces at tactical level.

The scope of the exercise involve establishment and operationalisation 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 Joint exercise will further cement defence cooperation with France which is a key aspect of the overall Indo-France strategic partnership.