Exercise VARUNA

Exercise VARUNA

On the western seaboard, the 21st iteration of the edition naval exercise between France and India just got underway.
Although the two fleets' bilateral exercise was first conducted in 1993, it was renamed "VARUNA" in 2001 and has since come to symbolize the strategic bilateral cooperation between France and India.
The drill will take place from January 16–20, 2023, over a five-day period.
These exchanges serve as a further reminder of the ideals that our two navies share in preserving maritime freedom, upholding an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific, and upholding a rules-based international order.
High-speed naval operations at sea, including as sophisticated air defence and anti-submarine drills, tactical manoeuvres, underway resupply, and other maritime security operations, will be part of the exercise.
The French Navy is conducting the "Varuna" joint exercise as part of the "CLEMENCEAU 21" deployment of the French carrier strike group in the eastern Mediterranean, Gulf, and Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea).
Its objective is to improve partnerships with partner navies, particularly India for the Indian Ocean component, and to help stabilize these vital zones.
Initiated in 1993 and given the name "Varuna" in 2001, the bilateral exercise has come to characterize the strategic bilateral cooperation between France and India.
The Indian Navy's indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integrated helicopters, and MiG29K fighter aircraft will also take part in this round of the exercise.
The aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, the frigates FS Forbin and Provence, the support vessel FS Marne, and the maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique will serve as the French Navy's representatives.
The exercise also gives the Indian Navy the chance to pick up on the French Navy's cutting-edge technologies and capabilities while also enhancing its own maritime capabilities.

Other Indo-French Joint Exercises:

Desert Knight-21 and Garuda (Air exercise)
Varuna (Naval exercise)
Shakti (Army exercise)

Source: PIB

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala