Indian and French navies conduct 20th Exercise Varuna off Goa

 

By Ajai Shukla

Business Standard, 4th Apr 22

 

Exercise Varuna 2022 (Varuna 22) – the 20th edition of the annual Indo-French naval exercise – is being conducted this year off Goa, in the Arabian Sea.

 

Paris regards itself as an Indian Ocean power and carefully husbands its island territories in the Indian Ocean, such as the Reunion islands. Given the French Navy’s stakes in the region, New Delhi believes that there is a serious strategic dimension to Exercise Varuna. 

 

“The exercise (Varuna) 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,” said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Sunday.

 

“Bilateral naval exercises between the Indian and French Navies were initiated in 1993. In 2001, the exercise was christened “VARUNA” and has become a vital part of the India – France strategic bilateral relationship,” said the MoD press release.

 

Phase I of Exercise Varuna-22 concluded on Sunday, while Phase II will be held in May 22. “The exercise this year has an expanded scope and includes surface gun firings on practice targets, advanced anti-submarine and air defence exercises, and other tactical manoeuvres that cover a broad spectrum of maritime operations,” said the MoD.

 

The French Navy projects power into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with nuclear-powered submarines and a relatively state-of-the-art aircraft carrier battle group (CBG) built around the French Navy’s flagship: the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle.

 

This 42,500-tonne Charles de Gaulle carries a potent air complement that includes the Rafale-M (Rafale Marine) aircraft. Given the Indian Navy’s eagerness to buy 57 twin-engine, deck-borne fighters (TEDBF), Paris is tracking that tender closely.

Having grown in content and complexity since its inception in 1993, Exercise Varuna provides the two navies an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices. It focuses on operational level interaction between them to enhance mutual cooperation at sea, underscoring their shared commitment to regional security.

 

“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,” announced the Indian MoD on Sunday.

During the sea phase of Exercise Varuna 2022, the Indian Navy is being represented by the indigenously built stealth destroyer, INS Chennai, with its integral complement of Sea King Mk 42B helicopters. India is also fielding its P-8I and Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and MiG-29K/KUB fighter aircraft. 

 

The French Navy is being represented by the La Fayette class frigate, FS Courbet and the submarine support vessel, FS Loire. 

“The units undertook cross deck landings by integral helicopters, showcasing a high level of interoperability between them. Gun firing and underway replenishment procedures were also exercised between ships,” said the Indian Navy, describing Phase 1 of the exercise.

“All exercises planned during Varuna 2022 aim to enhance common understanding of the two navies on the conduct of joint maritime security operations,” said the MoD.