In a testament to their enduring maritime collaboration, the Indian and French Navies have recently completed Phase II of the Varuna-23 naval exercise. This exercise, deeply rooted in centuries-old naval traditions and strategic cooperation, unfolded in the waters of the Arabian Sea. Varuna-23 showcases the unwavering dedication of both nations to fortify their warfighting capabilities, strengthen their ability to work seamlessly together, and advance the cause of peace, security, and stability in the region.
Spanning three days, the Varuna-23 exercise featured the active participation of guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and integral helicopters from both the Indian and French Navies. This collaborative effort demonstrated joint operations, underway replenishment procedures, and an array of tactical maneuvers meticulously designed to sharpen the skills of these naval forces. It is through exercises like Varuna-23 that these two navies refine their capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to address regional and global security challenges effectively.
The roots of the Varuna naval exercise date back to 1993 when Indian and French naval forces initiated their bilateral engagement. Over the years, this exercise has evolved significantly, earning the name ‘Varuna’ in 2001. Today, Varuna stands as a symbol of the enduring strategic relationship between India and France.
Varuna has grown in both scope and complexity since its inception. It serves as a vital platform for both nations to exchange best practices and procedures, facilitating the invaluable sharing of knowledge and experience that fosters mutual cooperation to uphold order at sea.
Exercise Varuna underscores the shared commitment of India and France to the security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons. Through this exercise, both nations send a resounding message of their dedication to upholding international norms and contributing to oceanic stability. This exercise promotes order at sea, encouraging mutual cooperation that benefits not only India and France but also the broader international community.
Varuna-23, a bilateral naval exercise, stands as a shining testament to the deep and ever-strengthening ties between the Indian and French Navies. As these two nations continue to collaborate through such exercises, they not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute significantly to the collective security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Varuna-23 is a powerful symbol of India and France’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the maritime domain, embodying the true spirit of their strategic partnership.
The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ took place along the Western Seaboard of India from January 16 to 20, 2023, laying the foundation for this bilateral interaction in the Arabian Sea.