Umroi (Meghalaya), May 26 (Reporter) A joint training exercise between the French and Indian armies formally came to an end on Sunday at joint training node in Umroi Cantonment of Meghalaya. The 14-day-long exercise, named ‘Shakti’, enhanced synergy in joint tactical operations and improved interoperability and camaraderie between the two armies. The exercise brought together troops of the Rajput Regiment and the French 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). More than a dozen of Nepali and one Indian were part of 90-member French Foreign Legion contingent displayed their camaraderie during the joint exercise. "We have Indians in FFL (French Foreign Legion) and we get along well with all the recruits in FFL of different nationalities. The joint exercise has helped both the armies. We have learned from each other and become better at fighting together at all levels,” Surinder Singh of FFL explained. “As for me I went to France to look for work and decided to join FFL. We are paid well and it is about Rs 1.5 lakh per month that can go up to Rs two lakh serving in a foreign country," Singh said. S Thapa said most of the Nepalese recruits are aged 24-25 years and they all came to France to join FFL and now bond well with other nationalities. “We are happy to be here at Umroi for the joint exercise. It was a good experience for us and the bonhomie will continue,” Sandeep Gurung, a Corporal in FFL, said. Blake from St Vincent in the West Indies misses his home, food and much more. “I miss cricket, but I have not been able to go home due to tight schedule,” Blake, also a Corporal in FFL, said. The Foreign Legion is an elite corps of the French Army, with a long and illustrious history, was founded by King Louis Philippe in 1831. The Legion allows foreign nationals to serve in the French Army, initially to safeguard French colonies. France had 80 colonies in past and now has 12 overseas territories. The FFL has been involved in numerous conflicts, including both World Wars, albeit in limited capacities. Currently, it comprises about 7 to 8 per cent of the French Army's total strength and remains only unit open to all nationalities. Approximately, 90 per cent of FFL officers are French, with only 10 per cent of Legionnaires advancing to officer ranks...////...