India-France Naval Exercise 'Varuna' Strengthens Maritime Partnership

The 23rd edition of 'Varuna', a bilateral naval exercise between India and France, showcased enhanced jointmanship and mutual commitment to a rules-based maritime order. The event featured complex drills across domains and included participation from elite naval vessels, reinforcing collective maritime security capacities and operational efficiency.

The 23rd edition of the India-France naval exercise, 'Varuna', held from March 19-22, successfully strengthened the longstanding maritime partnership between the two nations. The exercise was hailed for enhancing joint operational capabilities and reinforcing a shared commitment to a rules-based maritime order, according to Indian Navy officials.

This year's exercise featured a broad array of complex drills involving platforms across sub-surface, surface, and air domains. Notably, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and India's INS Vikrant participated, executing advanced maneuvers alongside other vessels. A Navy spokesperson highlighted the achievement of higher operational coordination than previous editions.

A key focus of 'Varuna' was the exchange of best practices, enhancing understanding of each other's operational doctrines. The drills included anti-submarine warfare exercises and advanced air defense drills, honing participants' abilities to counter threats jointly. The exercise underscored India and France's commitment to global maritime security and collaborative defense efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)