• The 22nd edition of Indo-French bilateral naval ‘Exercise Varuna’ was conducted from September 2 to 4 in the Mediterranean Sea.

• It included advanced tactical exercises underscoring the deepening synergy and interoperability between the two navies.

• Initiated in 1993, the exercise was christened ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India-France strategic bilateral relationship.

• The Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft reached Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube, France, marking its first-ever deployment in Europe. This deployment comes 63 years after the Indian Navy’s Alize aircraft, operating from the erstwhile INS Vikrant, last flew at Hyeres Airbase.

• INS Tabar also participated in the exercise. 

Other exercises with France:

• Garuda - Bilateral exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF).

• Shakti - Bilateral exercise between the armies of India and France.

• FRINJEX - Joint military exercise.

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