Signifying close defence ties between the two countries, the 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘Varuna-2021’ in the Arabian Sea started on Sunday and will last for three days. This drill comes weeks after the Quad countries participated in a naval exercise led by the French Navy in the Indian Ocean.
Giving details of the Varuna series this year, navy officials said here the Indian Navy has deployed guided missile stealth destroyer Kolkata, guided missile frigates Tarkash and Talwar, fleet support ship Deepak, with Seaking 42B & Chetak integral helicopters, a Kalvari_ class submarine and P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft,
The French Navy is represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters, Horizon-class Air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul, Aquitaine-class multi-missions frigate Provence with a Caïman M helicopter and Command and supply ship Var. The Indian side is led by Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, while the French side is headed by Rear Admiral Marc Aussedat, Commander Task Force 473.
The three-day exercise will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment and other maritime security operations.
Units of both navies will endeavour to enhance and hone their war-fighting skills to demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.
On completion of exercise VARUNA-21, to consolidate accrued best practices and enhance interoperability, Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate Tarkash will continue to exercise with the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) from April 28 to May one. During this period, the ship will take part in advanced surface, anti-submarine and air-defence operations with the French CSG.
Varuna -21 highlights growing bonhomie and showcases increased levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the two friendly navies. These interactions further underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.