The Indian and French navies are set to launch the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise, Varuna 2025, from March 19 to 22. This high-stakes maritime drill, a symbol of the robust Indo-French partnership, will feature advanced operations including air defense exercises with Rafale-M and MiG-29K fighter jets, anti-submarine warfare, and synchronized surface maneuvers.
Leading the charge are India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and France’s nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle, joined by a fleet of destroyers, frigates, and maritime patrol aircraft. Since its inception in 2001, Varuna has grown into a cornerstone of cooperation, showcasing cutting-edge tactics and strengthening interoperability between the two naval forces. This year’s edition promises an exhilarating array of maritime exercises and complex maneuvers across the sub-surface, surface, and air domains. Anti-submarine warfare exercises will provide rigorous training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will demonstrate synchronized maneuvers and engagements by the Indian and French fleets. Maritime patrol aircraft will enhance situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises will fortify logistical cooperation.
Held off India’s western seaboard, the exercise underscores a shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. With professional exchanges and tactical drills on the agenda, Varuna 2025 promises to elevate the strategic ties between these two naval powerhouses.
