Exercise Varuna Kicks Off

The naval forces of India and France are currently showcasing their might in the 21st edition of the bilateral naval Exercise Varuna on the Western Seaboard.

This edition will witness participation of India Navy’s indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft.

The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.

The five-day exercise will run until Jan 20, 2023 and will witness advanced air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment and other maritime operations.

Both navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre, enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region.

While the bilateral exercise between the two navies were initiated in 1993, it was christened as Varuna in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship. –shp/adj/aaa (Image: Indian Navy)