A Longstanding Naval Bond Enters Its 23rd Chapter
VARUNA 2025: Strengthening India-France Naval Cooperation: The 23rd edition of the VARUNA naval exercise, a cornerstone of defence ties between India and France, is being held from March 19 to 22, 2025. Since its inception in 2001, VARUNA has grown into a flagship maritime exercise that boosts operational synergy and strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations. VARUNA 2025 not only underlines a shared commitment to Indo-Pacific security but also enhances readiness for coordinated maritime operations across multiple domains.
Frontline Naval Power on Full Display
This year’s exercise features aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, symbolising the might and technological edge of both navies. Alongside them, MiG-29K and Rafale-M fighter jets will engage in air combat drills, supported by destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine from India. These platforms will conduct a series of complex exercises, demonstrating air defence precision, underwater detection capabilities, and surface combat readiness, showcasing an elite level of naval interoperability.
Strategic Focus: Training for the Modern Battlefield
VARUNA 2025 incorporates advanced maritime drills including mock air-to-air engagements, anti-submarine warfare manoeuvres, and surface fleet coordination. The exercise also focuses on replenishment-at-sea operations, which test the navies’ logistical endurance and joint fleet sustainability. These activities are designed to simulate real-time conflict environments, helping both forces refine their tactical procedures and boost regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Commitment to Indo-Pacific Stability
Beyond the tactical drills, VARUNA sends a strong message of commitment to a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes the need for multilateral maritime cooperation to counter regional threats and safeguard sea lanes of communication. By conducting such high-level joint exercises, India and France reaffirm their defence diplomacy and align their strategic visions in maintaining maritime peace and regional balance.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
VARUNA 2025: Strengthening India-France Naval Cooperation:
| Aspect | Details |
| Exercise Name | VARUNA 2025 |
| Duration | March 19–22, 2025 |
| Inception Year | 2001 |
| Participating Nations | India and France |
| Aircraft Carriers | INS Vikrant (India), Charles de Gaulle (France) |
| Fighter Aircraft | MiG-29K (India), Rafale-M (France) |
| Key Naval Assets | Destroyers, frigates, Scorpene-class submarine |
| Focused Exercises | Air defence, ASW, surface warfare, replenishment-at-sea |
| Strategic Importance | Strengthens Indo-Pacific stability, boosts defence ties |
