Varuna-23: India-France Naval Exercise Highlights and Significance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 21st Edition of Varuna Naval Exercise (Varuna-23) |
| Participating Navies | Indian Navy and French Navy |
| Initiation Year | 1993 |
| Named 'Varuna' | 2001 |
| 2023 Phases | Phase I: January 16-20, 2023 (Western Seaboard, India) |
| Phase II: Arabian Sea | |
| Key Assets Involved | Guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters |
| French Navy: Aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle | |
| Indian Navy: Destroyers, submarines (INS Vikramaditya absent due to maintenance) | |
| Objectives | Enhance warfighting skills, improve interoperability, promote regional security |
| Activities | Anti-submarine warfare, air defense, tactical maneuvers, cross-deck helicopter landings, replenishment at sea |
| Unique Feature (2023) | UAE joined for the first time, marking trilateral collaboration |
| Strategic Focus | Safeguarding global maritime security, particularly in the Indian Ocean region |