Varuna (naval exercise)

The annually held Varuna naval exercise is an integral part of France–India strategic relationship in the 21st century and consists of naval cooperation drills between the French Navy and the Indian Navy. The joint-exercises are held either in the Indian Ocean or Mediterranean Sea with the aim of improving Indo-French coordination on capabilities like cross-deck operations, replenishment-at-sea, minesweeping, anti-submarine warfare and information sharing. It was first started in 1983, though given its present name in 2001. France is Littoral State of the Indian Ocean through the French Overseas region of Réunion, Mayotte and Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean.

2015
Varuna 2015 included a French battle-group led by French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) and carrying aero-naval version of Rafale aircraft operating alongside the Western Naval Command.

2019
The 2019 edition show the participation of French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91), surface ships like FNS Forbin, FNS Provence, FNS Latouche-Treville, tanker FNS Marne and a nuclear submarine. The Indian Navy sent its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Mumbai, frigate INS Tarkash, and fleet tanker INS Deepak.

2023
The 2023 edition of Varuna exercise, which also saw the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership, was held between 16 and 20 January 2023 along the Goa coast. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Chennai (destroyer), INS Teg (frigate), Boeing P-8I (maritime patrol aircraft), integral helicopters and MiG-29K jets. The French Navy was represented by French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91), frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.