Exercise Varuna 2025

GS 3 – Defence

Why in news: Exercise Varuna 2025 is the 42nd annual naval exercise between the Indian and French Navies, highlighting their strong strategic partnership and boosting their operational coordination.

Key Highlights:

• Participants:
  • French Navy: Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle, with frigates, supply ships, and an air fleet.
  • Indian Navy: Frontline warships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters.
• Timeline and Locations:
  • Stopovers: French CSG will visit Goa and Kochi starting January 4, 2025, as part of Mission Clemenceau 25.
  • Exercise Area: Conducted in the Arabian Sea off India’s western coast.

Objectives:

• Improve interoperability between the two navies.
• Train crews to handle multi-dimensional threats (air, surface, and submarine).
• Enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Significance:

• Reflects strong Indo-French defense ties since the exercise began in 2001.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maritime safety and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.
• Supports France’s strategic Indo-Pacific interests, including its territories and exclusive economic zones.