Last week, for more than 35 hours, an Indian submarine and a French nuclear attack submarine carried out a naval drill to train their crew in detection, tracking and plunge attack while maintaining control over maritime areas.
This was part of India and France anti-submarine wargames off Djibouti coast near the Horn of Africa. The second phase of the 17th edition of bilateral naval exercise, christened as Varuna 19.2 held from May 22-25, both countries brought together French nuclear attack submarine Amethyste, currently deployed in the Indian Ocean, and Indian submarine INS Kalvari. The first phase of the Varuna exercise took place off the coast of Goa early this month.
Under the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, signed between the two countries, Indian Navy was given access to the French base in Djibouti for refit and refuelling. Several countries already have their bases in Djibouti including China. China has opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2018.Read More…
