India and France conducted mega naval exercise, Indian Navy showed strength in Mediterranean Sea
Naval Exercise: The navies of India and France conducted a mega exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The bilateral exercise Varuna, which began in 2001, is the backbone of India-France naval relations. Exercise Varuna in the Mediterranean Sea underlines India's growing naval reach and ability to conduct continuous operations beyond the Indian Ocean region. This mega exercise took place from September 2 to 4.
This was jointly announced after a mega exercise between the navies of India and France in the Mediterranean Sea. The 22nd edition of the Varuna exercise, which took place from September 2 to 4, saw the participation of the Indian naval ship Tabar along with the long-range maritime surveillance aircraft P-8I.
The French side was represented by the frontline ship FS Provence, submarine Suffren, fighter aircraft MB 339, and helicopter NH 90. The Navy said advanced naval operations in a series were conducted during the exercise, including advanced tactical maneuvering, anti-submarine maneuvering, air defense exercises, etc.
Thus, Varuna, a bilateral exercise started in 2001, does indeed form the backbone of the India-France naval relationship. A showcase of India's growing naval reach and its ability to conduct sustained operations beyond the Indian Ocean Region, this exercise was an outdoor event in the Mediterranean Sea that gives an insight into a few of the capabilities and coordination of Indian and French naval forces.
