CULMINATION OF BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE - VARUNA 2025

IN NEWS – Culmination of Bilateral Naval Exercise VARUNA 2025

Analysis

• The bilateral naval exercise VARUNA 2025 between the Indian Navy and the French Navy was conducted from 19 to 22 March 2025, highlighting the enduring strategic partnership between India and France.
• The exercise reflected the two nations’ shared commitment to a rules-based maritime order, regional stability, and cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights of VARUNA 2025

• Multi-domain Operations: The exercise included tactical drills across air, surface, and sub-surface domains to refine joint operational proficiency.
• Air Defence Drills: Advanced air defence exercises featured Rafale-M aircraft of the French Navy and MiG-29K of the Indian Navy, simulating realistic aerial combat to strengthen air threat response capabilities.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Indian submarines and French anti-submarine frigates conducted coordinated ASW drills to enhance underwater domain awareness and response tactics.
• Surface Warfare: Complex manoeuvres and simulated engagements demonstrated the combined combat capability and coordination between the two navies.
• Replenishment at Sea (RAS): Fleet tankers from both sides executed replenishment operations, proving logistical interoperability and enhancing operational endurance for prolonged missions.

Outcomes and Strategic Relevance

• The exercise achieved higher levels of operational coordination than previous editions, signifying the growing sophistication in bilateral naval engagement.
• It reinforced jointmanship, interoperability, and mutual understanding between both navies in handling complex maritime challenges.
• VARUNA 2025 furthered the exchange of Best Practices and operational doctrines, strengthening India-France defence relations.
• The exercise reaffirmed the shared commitment to freedom of navigation, security of sea lanes, and collaborative maritime governance in the Indo-Pacific.

Static / Background Information

• Exercise VARUNA:
  • Initiated in 1993, it was formally named “VARUNA” in 2001.
  • Conducted annually, it is the flagship naval exercise between India and France.
  • Aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and joint maritime security capability.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Strengthens the India–France Strategic Partnership, which includes cooperation in defence, space, and nuclear domains.
  • Both nations are key proponents of maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Participants:
  • Indian Navy: Aircraft carrier-based MiG-29Ks, destroyers, submarines, and fleet tankers.
  • French Navy: Rafale-M fighters, frigates, and support vessels.

Updated – 24 Mar 2025 ; 7:33 PM | PIB