Exercise Varuna 2025 is the 23rd bilateral naval exercise between India and France, scheduled from March 19-22 . Since its start in 2001, Varuna has become a key event for increasing naval interoperability and operational synergy between the two countries .
Key Aspects of Varuna 2025:
- Participants The Indian aircraft carrier Vikrant and the French Charles de Gaulle will lead the operations. Additional participants include fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine .
- Exercises and Drills The exercise includes advanced air defence drills, fighter exercises with mock air-to-air combat between French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K aircraft, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and surface warfare operations with coordinated maneuvers .
- Focus Areas Varuna 2025 will focus on advanced air defence drills, fighter exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and surface warfare operations .
- Logistical Cooperation Replenishment-at-sea exercises will ensure sustained operations, and maritime patrol aircraft will enhance situational awareness and information sharing .
- Strategic Importance The exercise reinforces the shared vision of both nations for a free and open maritime environment and enhances the ability of both navies to operate in complex scenarios . It aims to safeguard maritime peace and security and addresses regional security challenges .
- Objectives To enhance naval interoperability and operational synergy between India and France by fostering exchange of best practices and mutual understanding .
In summary, Varuna 2025 is a major naval exercise involving complex maneuvers across sub-surface, surface, and air domains, highlighting the strong maritime partnership between India and France and their commitment to maritime security .
