Indian Navy Completes Exercise Varuna Drills With France

The Indian Navy completed the sea phase of the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, a bilateral maritime engagement with the French Navy in the Mediterranean. The Indian Naval Ship Trishul arrived in Toulon, France, on September 22 to begin the annual exercise.

The engagement opened with a harbour phase in Toulon featuring professional exchanges, cultural interactions, and sporting events. During this period, the crew of the INS Trishul visited French vessels including the Charles de Gaulle, Forbin, and La Fayette. The mission also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille to honor 205 Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars.

Starting September 25, the sea phase involved anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing exercises, and cross-deck helicopter landings. The INS Trishul operated alongside the French nuclear attack submarine SNA Suffren, frigates FDA Forbin and FLF La Fayette, NH90 helicopters, and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The Ministry of Defence stated the exercise reaffirms the enduring maritime partnership and commitment to interoperability between India and France.