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Indian Navy frigate INS Trishul has participated in the 24th edition of the India-France bilateral maritime exercise Varuna, conducting a series of anti-submarine, anti-surface and live-firing drills with French naval forces off Toulon.
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon on September 22 for the annual exercise, which is aimed at improving operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies.
The exercise included a harbour phase involving professional interactions, cross-deck visits and exchanges between Indian and French naval personnel. Trishul’s Commanding Officer also held discussions with senior French Navy leadership, including Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED).
The Indian crew visited French Navy ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and frigates Forbin and La Fayette, gaining exposure to carrier operations, aviation facilities and operational practices.
The Indian Navy delegation also paid tribute at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille, where wreaths were laid in memory of 205 Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars.
The sea phase saw INS Trishul operate alongside French Navy units FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and nuclear-powered attack submarine Suffren. French NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the exercise.
The drills included anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare exercises, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing operations. These activities were aimed at sharpening coordination between the two navies in complex maritime operations.
The exercise also featured cultural and sporting interactions, including a volleyball match between personnel of the two navies and a reception aboard INS Trishul attended by French naval officers and civil dignitaries.
The latest edition of Varuna underscores the expanding operational engagement between the Indian and French navies, with the two sides continuing to focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness and coordinated operations at sea.
Team BharatShakti
