Varuna Largest Indo-French Naval Exercise To Date

Panaji: The 17th edition of ‘Varuna’, an Indo-French naval exercise which is underway off Goa, is the largest ever joint exercise undertaken by the two navies yet and represents the climax of the strengthened maritime co-operation between India and France, statements issued by both navies said on Monday. The statement, released at a media interaction held onboard INS Mumbai which is participating in the exercise, also said that the harbour and sea phases of the exercise from May 1 to May 6 and from May 7 to May 10 respectively were aimed at honing skills for naval operations across a broad spectrum, with increased focus on tactical scenarios.

The second sea phase is scheduled to be held at the end of May in Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa. “It will be the largest ever conducted Varuna exercise with 11 of India and Frances’s most modern units, including two aircraft and two submarines,” a statement issued by the French Navy said. (IANS)

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