Various units of the Indian and French Navies including submarines, ships, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft, and helicopters are taking part in the maritime drill. Further, these units will pave way for enhancing and honing the operational skills in maritime theatre, augment inter-operability to undertake sea security operations, and demonstrate their commitment to promote peace in the region as an integrated force.
It is noteworthy that both the countries through the bilateral naval have grown in scope and complexity over the years. ‘VARUNA’ series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other’s best maritime practices.
Notably, the maritime has been an imperative driver for operational-level interactions between Indian & French navies and has showcased the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons.
In 1993, the two Navies initiated the maritime exercise. In 2001, this exercise was christened as ‘VARUNA’, which became a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
The 19th edition of ‘VARUNA’
The 19th edition of ‘VARUNA-2021’ was conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25th to 27th April 2021.
The exercise witnessed the participation of the Indian Navy’s guided-missile stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, guided-missile frigates INS Tarkash and INS Talwar, Fleet Support Ship INS Deepak, with Seaking 42B and Chetak integral helicopters along with a Kalvari class submarine. A P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft also showcased its maneuvers as a part of the exercise.
The French Navy was represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Caïman M along with other
The three-day exercise showed the high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises.
VARUNA naval exercise has been highlighting the growing bonhomie and increased levels of synergy, coordination, and interoperability between the two Indian & French navies. Further, these drill has far impacts on the further shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific.
India- France’s blue economy roadmap
India and France are maritime nations with thriving maritime economies that include, marine technology and scientific research, fisheries, port and shipping. Both have vast exclusive economic zones, and their fate is inextricably linked to the sea and the ocean.
India and France intend to use the blue economy to propel their respective societies forward while also protecting the environment and coastal and marine biodiversity.
Considering this, both nations have inked a roadmap to enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy and forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law and cooperate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure. The agreement was signed during External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s three-day visit to France with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in February 2022.
Further, both countries have been contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.