The Indian and French navies commenced their joint naval exercise, Varuna, in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, featuring a range of advanced platforms from both nations, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, destroyers, and submarines, the Indian Navy said.
“The participation of aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with their respective fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, underscores the operational synergy and growing maritime cooperation between the two navies,” the Indian Navy said in a statement on the eve of the exercise.
In its 23rd edition, Varuna has significantly expanded in complexity and scale since it began in 2001, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between India and France. Over the years, this exercise has evolved into a crucial pillar of naval cooperation, enhancing interoperability and strengthening joint operational capabilities.
This year’s drills will cover a wide spectrum of naval operations in the subsurface, surface, and aerial domains.
“Varuna-2025 will feature advanced air defence drills and fighter exercises, including mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, aimed at refining tactical and operational readiness. Anti-submarine warfare exercises will provide intensive training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will showcase coordinated fleet manoeuvres and engagements,” the statement added.
23rd edition of #India – #France Bilateral Naval Exercise Varuna commences today #19Mar 25.#Varuna2025 will showcase the collaborative strength of the two Navies with
– Two aircraft carriers – #FrenchNavy's Charles De Gaulle & #IndianNavy's Vikrant alongwith their integral… pic.twitter.com/YeiBQv5Bga
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 19, 2025
Additionally, maritime patrol aircraft will enhance situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises will bolster logistics coordination between the two navies.
Team BharatShakti
