India, France conduct ‘Varuna’ naval exercise

• The 24th edition of Varuna exercise between navies of India and France concluded in Toulon, France on September 28.

• Indian Naval Ship Trishul participated in the exercise.

• INS Trishul is the second ship of the Talwar-class stealth frigates and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in June 2003. 

• The harbour phase comprised professional, sporting and cultural engagements aimed at strengthening maritime ties and professional bonds between the two navies.

• The commanding officer, other officers and crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial, Marseille, in remembrance of 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars.

• During the sea phase, INS Trishul exercised alongside French Navy units, including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and SNA Suffren, as well as NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.

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

Bilateral exercises with France:

• Garuda - 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.