What happened?
The Indian Navy and the French Navy began the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise VARUNA on March 19, 2025, set to continue until March 22. The exercise, held in the Arabian Sea, features joint operations across underwater, surface, and air domains, showcasing growing naval interoperability. Key participants include India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and France’s FS Charles de Gaulle, alongside fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine. The exercise involves advanced air defence drills, mock air-to-air combat between Indian MiG-29Ks and French Rafale-Ms, anti-submarine warfare training, and replenishment-at-sea operations.
Why it matters to India
VARUNA 2025 underscores the deepening India-France strategic partnership in the maritime domain, enhancing joint operational capabilities. The exercise strengthens India’s naval interoperability with a key Indo-Pacific partner, boosting regional security. With both navies conducting complex manoeuvres, the drill reinforces India’s commitment to safeguarding a free, open, and secure maritime environment.
