French Navy Host 22nd Varuna Exercise in Mediterranean Sea

The 22nd edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between India and France, the Varuna exercise, ended on 4 September 2024. The French Navy hosted the exercise from 2 to 4 September 2024 in the Mediterranean Sea.

India hosted the 21st Varuna exercise in the Arabian Sea in 2023.

The Indian Navy was represented by its stealth frigate INS Tabar and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P81 Poseidon. 

FS Provence, Submarine Suffren, Aircraft F20, Atlantique2, fighters MB339, and Helicopters NH90 Dauphin represented the French Navy.

About the Varuna Exercise 

• It is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indians and the French Navy.
• It is conducted alternately in the Indian Ocean or in the Mediterranean Sea.
• If India hosts the exercise, it is held in the Indian Ocean; if the French Navy hosts it, it is held in the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Varuna exercise was started in 1983, but the name Varuna was first used in 2001.
• The 21st edition was held in the Arabian Sea in 2023.

Military Exercise between India and France 

India and France have good military relations, and India is a major importer of French weapon systems.

Both countries conduct Army Air Force and Naval exercises to strengthen military-to-military relations. 

Exercise Garuda 

• It is conducted between the  Air Forces of both countries. 
• The first exercise was held in 2003 and is held alternatively in India and France.
•  It is normally held after two years.
• The 7th Garuda exercise was held at Jodhpur, Rajasthan in 2022. 

Exercise Shakti 

• It is a joint exercise of the Indian Army and the French Army. 
• It started in 2011 and is held alternately in India and France every two years.
• The 7th edition of the military exercise was held at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, from 13 -26 May 2024.