By Vikas Gupta
Defence News of India, 4 Apr 22
Exercise Varuna 2022 (Varuna 22) – the 20th edition of the annual Indo-French naval exercise – is taking place this year off Goa in the Arabian Sea.
Paris considers itself an Indian Ocean power and takes care of its Indian Ocean island territories, such as the Réunion islands. Given the stakes of the French Navy in the region, New Delhi believes that the Varuna exercise has a serious strategic dimension.
“The (Varuna) exercise was the primary driver of operational-level interactions between the two navies and underscored the shared commitment of both nations to the safety, security and freedom of the global maritime commons,” said the Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Sunday.
“Bilateral naval exercises between the Indian and French navies were initiated in 1993. In 2001, the exercise was codenamed ‘VARUNA’ and has become a vital part of the strategic bilateral relationship between India and France,” says Defense Department press release.
Phase I of the Varuna-22 exercise ended on Sunday, while phase II will be held on May 22. tactical maneuvers that cover a wide range of maritime operations,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The French Navy projects power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with nuclear-powered submarines and a relatively state-of-the-art Aircraft Carrier Battle Group (CBG) built around the flagship of the French Navy: the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
This 42,500-ton Charles de Gaulle carries a powerful air complement that includes the Rafale-M (Rafale Marine) aircraft. Given the Indian Navy’s eagerness to purchase 57 ship-borne twin-engine fighters (TEDBF), Paris is following this tender closely.
Having grown in content and complexity since its inception in 1993, Exercise Varuna provides an opportunity for both navies to learn best practices from each other. It focuses on operational-level interaction between them to enhance mutual cooperation at sea, underscoring their shared commitment to regional security.
“The exercise was the primary driver of operational-level interactions between the two navies and underscored the shared commitment of both nations to the safety, security and freedom of the global maritime commons,” it said. the Indian Ministry of Defense on Sunday.
During the maritime phase of Exercise Varuna 2022, the Indian Navy is represented by the locally built stealth destroyer, INS Chennai, with its full complement of Sea King Mk 42B helicopters. India is also deploying its P-8I and Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets.
The French Navy is represented by the La Fayette class frigate, FS Courbet and the submarine support ship, FS Loire.
“The units undertook transverse landings by integrated helicopters, demonstrating a high level of interoperability between them. Gunfire and ongoing resupply procedures were also exercised between the ships,” the Indian Navy said, describing phase 1 of the exercise.
“All exercises scheduled during Varuna 2022 are aimed at enhancing the common understanding of the two navies on conducting joint maritime security operations,” the defense ministry said.
