New Delhi: The Indian and French Navies are gearing up for the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA 2025, scheduled to take place from March 19 to 22. This annual maritime collaboration, which began in 2001, continues to be a symbol of the strong and evolving defence partnership between India and France.
VARUNA 2025 will showcase a series of high-intensity naval drills, emphasizing joint operations across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains. The Indian Navyโs aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will participate alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, demonstrating the combined strength and operational capabilities of both naval forces.
One of the key highlights of the exercise will be advanced air defence drills and mock air-to-air combat scenarios between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K fighter jets. These exercises aim to enhance tactical coordination and refine combat readiness. Additionally, anti-submarine warfare drills will focus on strengthening underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will test the ability of both navies to execute synchronized engagements and manoeuvres.
Maritime patrol aircraft will play a crucial role in situational awareness operations, ensuring real-time intelligence sharing between the participating forces. The replenishment-at-sea exercises will further enhance logistical cooperation, reinforcing the naviesโ ability to sustain prolonged operations in open waters.
The VARUNA series of exercises is not only a demonstration of military capability but also a testament to the shared commitment of India and France in ensuring a free, open, and secure maritime environment. By exchanging best practices and fostering seamless coordination, both nations continue to strengthen their strategic maritime cooperation.
As the Indian and French navies embark on yet another edition of VARUNA, the exercise stands as a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted defence partnership, ensuring stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
