Stepping up co-operation in the maritime domain, the first phase of the annual naval exercise Varuna-2022 between India and France lasting five days saw intense drills involving frontline warships of both the navies. The drill ended on Sunday and the second phase will take place next month.
Giving details here, officials said the sea phase of Indo-France bilateral naval exercise, Varuna 2022 off the coast of Goa had an expanded scope. It included surface gun firings on practice targets, advanced anti-submarine and air defence exercises, and other tactical maneuvers that cover a broad spectrum of maritime operations.
Having grown in content and complexity since its inception in 1993, the exercise provides the two navies an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices. It focuses on operational level interaction between them to enhance mutual cooperation at sea, underscoring their shared commitment to regional security.
During the current phase, the Indian Navy was represented by indigenously built stealth destroyer, INS Chennai, with integral Sea King Mk 42B helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, and the MiG 29 fighter aircraft. The French Navy deployed the La Fayette class frigate, FS Courbet andsubmarine support vessel, FS Loire.
The units undertook cross deck landings by integral helicopters, showcasing a high level of interoperability between them. Gun firing and underway replenishment procedures were also exercised between ships.
All exercises planned during Varuna 2022 aimed to enhance common understanding of the two navies on the conduct of joint maritime security operations.
Announcing the schedule of the exercise early last week, officials had said "These units will endeavour to enhance and hone their operational skills in maritime theatre, augment inter-operability to undertake maritime security operations and demonstrate their commitment to promote peace, security and stability in the region as an integrated force."
It is the 20th edition of the Varuna series of exercises and it has become a vital part of strategic ties between the two countries.
"The exercise has been a principal driver for operational-level interactions between the two navies and has underscored the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons," the statement said.
French Navy Chief Admiral Pierre Vandier visited India this week during which he held talks with his Indian counterpart Admiral R Hari Kumar focusing on mechanisms to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean amid rising Chinese presence in the region.
The visit by the French Navy Chief came over a month after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Paris. During the visit, Jaishankar said India looks at France as a "trusted" partner in countering myriad security challenges from the seabed to space and from cyber to oceans.
The maritime cooperation between India and France has witnessed a major expansion in the last few years. The Indian and French navies in April last year too carried out a mega wargame in the Arabian Sea. The French Navy deployed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and its entire carrier strike group in that exercise, reflecting growing congruence in naval ties.