Rafale-M of the French Navy and MIG-29K of the Indian Navy simulated realistic combat scenarios in a bid to hone the ability of the forces of two countries to jointly counter areal threats during the recently concluded bilateral naval exercise VARUNA 2025, which is being hailed as a cornerstone of India-France defence ties.
A Unified Display of Naval Coordination!#Day3 of #VARUNA2025 consolidated the drills undertaken on Day 2, showcasing cohesive execution of advanced naval drills between the #IndianNavy and the #FrenchNavy.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 23, 2025
The joint exercises focused on enhancing operational synergy &… https://t.co/VIaTfxgASh pic.twitter.com/U2EkwbbNyA
The exercise, held from March 19 to 25, included drills— designed to further fine-tune tactical and operational proficiency in complex scenarios—ranging across multi-domain environments.
According to defence ministry, this edition of exercise VARUNA achieved a higher degree of operational coordination between the two navies than the previous editions. The ministry said the exercise achieved its aim of increased jointmanship and reinforced the shared commitmentof the two countries to upholding the principles of a rules-based maritime order and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific.
#WATCH | The 23rd edition of India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise Varuna commences today
— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025
Varuna 2025 will showcase the collaborative strength of the two Navies with 2 aircraft carriers - French Navy's Charles De Gaulle & Indian Navy's Vikrant along with their integral fighter… pic.twitter.com/2ZI1lFGTdH
The anti-submarine warfare exercises, involving Indian submarine and anti-submarine frigates of the two forces focused on deepening the understanding and proficiency in underwater domain awareness and tactics, while the surface warfare operations involved complex coordinated manoeuvres and simulated engagements, showcasing the combined combat power of the two forces.
The replenishment at sea exercises by the two fleet tankers showed logistical interoperability and enhanced mutual support and endurance for sustained operations.
“The complex drills provided invaluable operational experience, strengthening the collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges. The exercise facilitated the critical exchange of best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's operational doctrines and enhancing the two navies' ability to operate seamlessly in complex maritime environments,” a statement from the ministry read.
France and India share a strong commitment to safeguarding global Sea lanes and addressing shared maritime security challenges, the ministry added.
