Varuna 2023: 21st EDITION OF INDIA FRANCE BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE

Varuna 2023: 21st EDITION OF INDIA FRANCE BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE

The 21st edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise Varuna between India and France has began from, January 16, on the Western Seaboard. Although the two navies’ bilateral exercise was first conducted in 1993, it was given the name “VARUNA” in 2001 and has since come to symbolise the strategic bilateral cooperation between France and India.

Important Points

• The bilateral exercise, which began in 1993, was renamed ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a distinguishing aspect of the India-France strategic bilateral cooperation.
• The Indian Navy’s indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integrated helicopters, and MiG29K fighter aircraft will also take part in this round of the exercise.
• The aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, the frigates FS Forbin and Provence, the support vessel FS Marne, and the maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique will serve as the French Navy’s representatives.

Significance of Varuna Exercise

1. The exercise will last five days, from January 16th to January 20th, 2023, and will include advanced air defence drills, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment, and other marine activities.
2. The strategic alliance between France and India is strengthened by Exercise Varuna, which also improves communication and cooperation between the two navies. It gives both nations a chance to show their dedication to maintaining regional peace, security, and stability.
3. The exercise also gives the Indian Navy the chance to benefit from the sophisticated tools and equipment used by the French Navy and enhance its own maritime capabilities.

India-France Defense Exercises:

India-France Defense Cooperation:

The strategic partnership between India and France was established in 1998. Indo-French strategic partnership Defense cooperation is an important area that both countries are continuously engaged in strengthening.

Also, France continues to support India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Along with this, both the countries are also working together in favor of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

India also buys defense equipment from France, which recently includes the purchase of Rafale fighter aircraft. Along with this, both the countries are also working together on the P-75 Scorpene project.

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