• The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna’, a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and France, began in the  Arabian Sea on March 19. It will conclude on March 22.

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

• This year’s edition promises an exhilarating array of maritime exercises and complex manoeuvres across the sub-surface, surface and air domains.

• The joint participation of the aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle from India and France, alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, highlights the collaborative strength of both navies.

• Varuna 2025 also features advanced air defence drills and fighter exercises, including mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, designed to refine tactical and operational capabilities.

• Anti-submarine warfare exercises will provide rigorous training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will demonstrate synchronised manoeuvres and engagements by the Indian and French fleets.

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.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)