VARUNA 2025: Strengthening India-France Naval Cooperation

The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, a symbol of the strong maritime partnership between India and France, is set to take place from March 19 to March 22, 2025. Established in 2001, this annual exercise has become a key platform for enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy between the two nations. VARUNA 2025 will witness an impressive display of maritime capabilities across multiple domains, featuring aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine. The exercise aims to improve coordination in air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat, reinforcing the shared commitment to a free, open, and secure maritime environment.

Key Highlights of VARUNA 2025

• Dates: March 19–22, 2025
• Participating Nations: India and France
• Objective: Strengthening maritime cooperation, operational synergy, and interoperability

Naval Assets Involved

• Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) & Charles de Gaulle (France)
• Fighter aircraft MiG-29K (India) and Rafale-M (France)
• Destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine

Major Exercises & Drills

• Air Defence & Fighter Exercises: Mock air-to-air combat between Rafale-M and MiG-29K
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Enhancing underwater domain awareness
• Surface Warfare Operations: Coordinated fleet manoeuvres and combat simulations
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations: Boosting situational awareness
• Replenishment-at-Sea Exercises: Strengthening logistical cooperation

Significance

• Enhances interoperability between Indian and French navies
• Promotes best practices in maritime security operations
• Reinforces commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific