VARUNA 2025: India-France Naval Exercise Strengthens Maritime Ties

A combined naval event known as VARUNA 2025 serves as the 23rd edition of the annual bilateral exercise between India and France which will occur between 19th to 22nd March 2025. Smooth cooperation in complex maritime situations becomes possible because the exercise strengthens the interoperability between navies and cooks both nations' traditional maritime friendship.

History and Significance

• The Naval exercise VARUNA functions as the bilateral military naval training program between France and India.

• The two navies organized this exercise for the first time back in 1993.

• The India-France strategic bilateral relationship received ‘VARUNA’ as its official name during 2001 which now serves as their strategic relationship's distinguishing element.

Scope of VARUNA 2025

• The exercise this year extends to various complex maritime activities and will include demanding movements across all three domains which are maritime surface and sub-surface and aerial air.

• Participating Naval Assets

  • Aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant and FS Charles de Gaulle along with their fighter aircraft.

  • Naval Ships: Destroyers and frigates from both nations.

  • Submarine: Indian Scorpene-class submarine.

  • Other Assets: Guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and integral helicopters.

Key Exercises and Drills

• Air Defence & Fighter Exercises:

  • During the exercise both French Rafale-M combat aircraft engaged in aerial combat with Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.

  • Tactical and operational training.

• Anti-Submarine Warfare:

  • Underwater domain awareness training.

• Surface Warfare Operations:

  • Coordinated fleet manoeuvres and engagements.

• Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations:

  • Enhancing situational awareness.

• Replenishment-at-Sea Exercises:

  • Strengthening logistical cooperation at sea.

Other Exercises between India and France

India and France engage in multiple military exercises across different domains. Here are the key ones:

1. VARUNA – Naval Exercise

2. GARUDA – Air Force Exercise

3. SHAKTI – Army Exercise

4. PEGASE – Strategic Air Deployment

Conclusion 

VARUNA 2025 delivers both nations toward a common goal to protect a free open maritime environment that is safe for all through practice and information sharing among forces. This naval exercise develops mutual operational readiness while keeping the well-established maritime ties between these countries strong to handle complicated maritime situations effortlessly.