NEW DELHI, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Air force (IAF) pilots flew the Rafale jets in France as a part of the ongoing bilateral Garuda VI exercise between the two countries, an official statement said.

"During the first week dedicated to integrated flying, the IAF air-warriors flew in the Rafale aircraft and French Air Force aircrew flew in Su-30 MKI aircraft," the IAF wrote on its official Twitter on Monday.

"When we operate together, it's a step towards better cooperation-cohesion-interoperability," it added.

The participation of IAF in the Indo-French exercise will promote professional interaction, exchange experiences and operational knowledge besides strengthening bilateral relations with the French Air Force.

This sixth edition of Garuda started on July 1. The last exercise, Garuda V, was held in India in 2014.