Indo-French High-Voltage Naval Exercise ‘Varuna’ Commences

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New Delhi: The Indo-French naval exercise ‘Varuna’ commenced on March 19 in the Arabian Sea, and will conclude on March 22, 2025. This high-voltage exercise will feature a significant display of naval power, including the participation of aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, fighters, and helicopters.

The Indian Navy has deployed its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with a Kalvari-class submarine and other warships, while France will contribute its carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

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The exercise comes at a pivotal time as India prepares to finalise two major defence agreements with France, which include the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters and the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines, collectively valued at approximately €10.6 billion (around ₹1 lakh crore).

This partnership is expected to enhance bilateral strategic cooperation significantly. Captain Vivek Madhwal, a spokesperson for the Indian Navy, emphasised that the Varuna exercises have evolved since their inception in 2001 into a cornerstone of naval collaboration between the two nations.

This year’s drills will encompass a wide range of maritime operations across sub-surface, surface, and air domains. Notably, advanced air defence drills and mock air-to-air combat exercises between French Rafale-Marine fighters and Indian MiG-29K jets will be conducted to refine tactical capabilities.

Additionally, anti-submarine warfare drills will enhance underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will demonstrate coordinated manoeuvrers between the Indian and French fleets.

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The exercise aims to bolster logistical cooperation through replenishment-at-sea exercises and improve situational awareness via maritime patrol aircraft. This collaboration underscores both countries’ commitment to maintaining a free and secure maritime environment and their ability to operate seamlessly in complex scenarios.

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