France And India Start The Naval Exercise VARUNA 2023

The Indian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the 21st bilateral naval exercise between India and France began on Monday on the western seaboard.

“The bilateral exercise between the two navies began in 1993. In 2001, it was given the name “VARUNA,” and it has become a symbol of the strategic relationship between India and France “, it said.

The statement said that the indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, the guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters, and fighter aircraft MiG29K will all take part in this version of the exercise.

The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, the frigates FS Forbin and Provence, the support vessel FS Marne, and the maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.

“The exercise will last five days, from January 16 to January 20, 2023. During that time, there will be advanced air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, on-going resupply, and other maritime operations “the government said.

Units of both navies will try to improve their ability to fight wars in the maritime theatre, improve their ability to work together to do multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain, and show that they can work as a single force to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

Since this exercise has grown in size and complexity over time, it gives us a chance to learn from each other’s best ideas.

The exercise makes it easier for the two navies to work together to keep the seas safe and orderly. It also shows that both countries are committed to the security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons.