The 2024 edition of the Indo-French bilateral naval exercise ‘Exercise Varuna’ is being conducted in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2 to September 4. The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft has made its first-ever deployment in Europe, landing at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France. This significant move is part of the 22nd edition of Exercise Varuna.
Historical Context:
- This deployment marks a major milestone, as it comes 63 years after the Indian Navy’s Alize aircraft, operating from the INS Vikrant, last flew at Hyeres Airbase in France.
- Exercise Varuna: Initiated in 1993 and named “Varuna” in 2001, the exercise has become a symbol of the strong and growing strategic partnership between India and France.
Q.: Exercise Varuna 2024 between the Indian and French navies was conducted in which location?
A) Atlantic Ocean
B) Bay of Bengal
C) Mediterranean Sea
D) Arabian Sea
Answer: C) Mediterranean Sea
The 2024 edition of the Indo-French bilateral naval exercise ‘Exercise Varuna’ is being conducted in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2 to September 4.
