IT Correspondent
Mumbai, April 1:
The 20th edition of the bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘Varuna-2022’, with high tempo-naval operations at sea, is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from March 30 to April 03.
The bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was named ‘Varuna’ in 2001. It has become a vital part of the India – France strategic bilateral relationship. These interactions further underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
Various units including ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft, and helicopters of the two navies are participating in the exercise. These units will endeavour to enhance and hone their operational skills in maritime theatre, augment inter-operability to undertake maritime security operations, and demonstrate their commitment to promote peace, security, and stability in the region as an integrated force in the maritime domain.
The exercise will witness advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface, and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment, and other maritime security operations.
Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, the Varuna series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other’s best practices. The exercise has been a principal driver for operational-level interactions between the two navies and has underscored the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons.
Exercise Varuna has been a key enabler in strengthening the coordination between the two navies. This exercise has matured over the years with an increase in scope, complexity of operations, and level of participation.
The Desert Knight-21 and Garuda (Air exercise) and Shakti (Army exercise) are other Indo-French Joint Exercises. Last year, the Indian Navy had taken part in the France-led naval exercise “La P’erouse” with the navies of the US, Australia, and Japan.
