India & France conduct Naval Exercise VARUNA 2022

India and France began their 20th edition of the bilateral naval exercise named ‘Varuna’ in the Arabian sea from March 30. The exercise highlights the importance of shared commitment of both nations to security and safety.

Various units including ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters of the two navies are participating in the exercise.

About the Exercise

• The bilateral Naval exercise was initiated in 1993. It was entitled ‘VARUNA’ in 2001. It is a major part of the India-France strategic relationship.

• Several Units including Ships, Submarines, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Fighter Aircraft, and Helicopters of the two navies are part of this Exercise.

• These units will aspire to enhance their operational skills in maritime theater, augment interoperability to undertake maritime security operations

• This exercise clearly demonstrates their commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the region as an integrated force.

• The exercise has been a principal driver for operational-level interactions between the two navies.

India-France Relations over the years

• In January 1998, after the end of the cold war, India signed “a strategic partnership” with France as one of the countries.

• The India-France relationship has always been a friendly, sympathetic relationship.

• France was one of the countries to support India’s decision to test nuclear weapons in 1998.

• The areas of cooperation between both the countries include:

1. Defence Cooperation
2. Bilateral Trade and Economic Relation
3. Global Agendas

• The defence bilateral exercises between the two countries are:

1. Exercise Shakti (Army)
2. Exercise Varuna (Naval)
3. Exercise Garuda(Air Force)

• India and France have signed a cooperation agreement on Gaganyaan Mission.

• ISRO and France’s CNES are set for TRISHNA, the third joint satellite mission.

• India has a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement with France.

• France, which had sought strategic autonomy within the framework of its alliance with the US, and India, which has valued independent foreign policy, are natural partners in building the new coalitions for an uncertain era.

The Varuna series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other’s best practices. 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.

Download as PDF