Varuna 2018: Naval Exercise with French Navy

The Indo-French joint naval exercise Varuna-18 was held in Arabian Sea off Goa coast to explore measures to facilitate operational-level interactions between their armed forces and increase mutual cooperation, considering the common global threats.

Varuna 2018: Naval Exercise with French Navy

Key Facts on Varuna-18

  • Varuna-18 was conducted in three sea areas, including the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean.
  • The exercise was conducted in three phases and included anti-submarine, air defence and asymmetric engagement exercises.
  • The first phase would see the participation of the French Navy՚s anti-submarine frigate
  • The harbour phase of the exercise had commenced on March 15 and it ended on March 19th, while the sea phase was conducted from March 20 - 24
  • The second leg of the exercise will be held off the Chennai coast in April and the third near the La Reunion Island in May.
  • The exercise also comes at a time when the Indian Ocean is witnessing an increased Chinese naval presence.
  • The French Navy՚s Jean de Vienne, the Indian Navy՚s destroyer, INS Mumbai, and frigate INS Trikand are among the vessels participating in the exercise.
  • The Indian Navy՚s submarine, Kalvari, P8 - 1 and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and MiG 29K fighter aircraft are also participating in the exercise.

Background

  • India is major partner of France in Indian Ocean region.
  • Maritime security is priority in India-France՚s defence and security policy, along with the fight against terrorism.
  • Indian Navy and the French Navy have been conducting naval exercises since 1983. These exercises were christened as Varuna in 2001.
  • The last edition of this annual bilateral exercise was conducted off French coast in April 2017.
  • The Varuna series of exercises now has grown in scope and complexity and provides opportunity to naval forces of both countries to increase interoperability and learn from each other՚s best practices.

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021