Start of the Varuna bilateral naval exercise between India and France.

According to information published by the Indian government on March 31, 2022, the 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – "VARUNA" is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22.
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French Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle and Indian Kalvari class submarine (Picture source: Indian Navy)

The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was christened ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.

Various units including ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft, and helicopters of the two navies are participating in the exercise. These units will endeavor to enhance and hone their operational skills in maritime theatre, augment inter-operability to undertake maritime security operations, and demonstrate their commitment to promote peace, security, and stability in the region as an integrated force.

Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, the VARUNA series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other’s best practices.

The exercise has been a principal driver for operational-level interactions between the two navies and has underscored the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons.

The Indian Navy’s participation in 2021 the exercise included guided-missile stealth destroyer Kolkata, guided-missile frigates Tarkash and Talwar, Fleet Support Ship Deepak, Seaking 42B and Chetak integral helicopters, a Kalvari class submarine, and P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The French side was represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Caïman M and Dauphin embarked, Horizon-class Air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul, Aquitaine-class multi-mission frigate FNS Provence with a Caïman M helicopter embarked and Command and supply ship Var.