The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise between India and France, Exercise Varuna, has started at the Western Seaboard on January 16th, 2023. The exercise will run till January 20th.
The bilateral exercise, which was initiated in 1993, was christened ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India France strategic bilateral relationship
This edition of the exercise is witnessing participation of the Indian Navy’s indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters, and MiG29K fighter aircraft.
The French Navy is being represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.
The Varuna exercise will be conducted over five days from January 16 to 20 and is witnessing advanced air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment and other maritime operations.
Units of both navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre, enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region.
Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, the Varuna exercise provides an opportunity to learn from both navies’ best practices.
The exercise facilitates operational level interaction between the two navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to the security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.
Key Takeaways
- Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise between France and India.
- This bilateral exercise between the two navies was initiated in 1993.
- It was christened ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India France strategic bilateral relationship.
- This edition will witness the participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft.
- The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.
- The exercise will be conducted over five days from 16 to 20 January 2023
- Units of both navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre, enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region.
