New Delhi: The Indian and French navies are scheduled to commence the 23rd edition of their joint Naval Exercise VARUNA - 2025 on Wednesday, March 19, lasting until Saturday, March 22. The exercise underscores the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations, as highlighted in a statement by the Indian Defence Ministry on Tuesday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, VARUNA, which began in 2001, has become a cornerstone of cooperation, demonstrating the two countries' dedication to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy. The exercise will feature the participation of aircraft carriers Vikrant from India and Charles de Gaulle from France, along with their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.
This year's exercise will include advanced air defence drills and fighter exercises, featuring mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K. Anti-submarine warfare exercises are set to provide rigorous training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will showcase synchronized maneuvers and engagements by the Indian and French fleets.
VARUNA serves as a powerful reminder of the shared vision for safeguarding a free, open, and secure maritime environment. It highlights the deep bonds uniting the Indian and French Navies in their pursuit of maritime peace and security.