India-France naval bilateral exercise Varuna-2021 underway in Arabian Sea

India and France began their joint Navy exercise VARUNA-2021 on Sunday in the Arabian Sea. The 19th edition of bilateral event began on 25th April and will continue until 27th April.

The Indian Navy is being led by Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Nau Sena Medal, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet and the participants include INS Kolkata (guided missile stealth destroyer), INS Tarkash and Talwar (guided missile frigates), INS Deepak (flet support ship), Seaking 42Bm Chetak helicopters, Kalvari class submarine and a P81 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
From the French Navy's side, Rear Admiral Marc Aussedat, Commander Task Force 473 is leading their part which includes Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircrafts and helicopters Caïman M and Dauphin embarked, Horizon-class Air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul, Aquitaine-class multi-missions frigate FNS Provence with a Caïman M helicopter embkared and Command and supply ship Var.

The exercise includes activities like advanced air defence, anti-submarine exercises, tactical manouevres, and high tempo naval operations to name a few. Both the sides have to work towards enhancing their fighting skills and demonstrating their ability to work together for peace, stability and security.

After VARUNA is complete, INS Tarkash and France's Carrier Strike Group will continue to exercise till 1st May and participate in advanced surfaces, anti-submarine and air-defense operations.

The bilateral exercise aims to showcase rising levels of synergy and coordination between two friendly navies and help ensure a commitment to an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific international order.