Exercise VARUNA: India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise

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Key takeaways

The 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA is taking place at the Toulon Naval Base in France with participation from INS Trishul.
First started in 1983, the naval exercise was formally named VARUNA in 2001.
The exercise enhances interoperability in air defence and anti-submarine warfare across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.
It strengthens the India-France Indo-Pacific roadmap and secures important Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).

The Indian Navy stealth frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon port in France for the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA.

This event is the main annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy (Marine Nationale).
The Toulon Naval Base in France is hosting this exercise along the Mediterranean coast.
The primary participants in this exercise are the naval forces of India and France.

These naval interactions started in 1983 and received the official name VARUNA in 2001.
The harbour phase focuses on operational briefings and exchanges, while the sea phase involves live tactical drills and coordinated manoeuvres.
The exercise builds joint communication, air defence, and anti-submarine warfare skills in demanding sea conditions.
The location alternates between India and France across regions like the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic.

It promotes a rules-based maritime order, protects freedom of navigation, and secures vital Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).
The exercise strengthens mutual logistics sharing and advances the India-France Indo-Pacific roadmap for future joint operations.