- The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise “Exercise Varuna” between India and France began on 16 January 2023, off the western seaboard.
- The exercise is conducted for five days from 16 to 20 January 2023. During this, advanced air defense exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firing, replenishment and other maritime operational activities will be conducted.
- Several warships and boats of the Indian Navy are participating in the current edition of the exercise. These include participation of indigenous Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer Ship INS Chennai, Guided Missile Frigate INS Teg Boat, Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft.
Varuna Exercise :
The bilateral exercise between India and France started in the year 1993, in the year 2001 it was named as ‘Varuna’. This series of naval exercises has become a hallmark of the strategic bilateral relationship between India and France.
