Context:
The 23rd edition of the bilateral Indo-French naval exercise ‘Varun’ commenced in the Arabian Sea.
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- It is a three-day naval exercise taking place from 19 to 22 March 25.
- The exercise will feature a significant display of naval power, including the participation of aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, fighters, and helicopters.
- The Indian Navy has deployed its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with a Kalvari-class submarine and other warships, while France will contribute its carrier strike group led by aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
- VARUNA 2025 will feature mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, designed to refine tactical and operational capabilities.
Exercise Varuna
- This exercise was initiated in 1993 the exercise was named ‘VARUNA’ in 2001.
- Other exercises b/w India and France: – Exercise Shakti (Army); GARUDA Air exercises. France and India have also taken part in each other’s multilateral exercises, such as the France-led La Pérouse naval drill in 2022 and the ORION mega-exercise in 2023.