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News: INS Trishul has arrived at Toulon, France, to participate in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise VARUNA.
About Exercise VARUNA 2026
- Exercise VARUNA 2026 is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- 2026 Edition: The 2026 edition is the 24th edition of the exercise.
- The 2026 edition is hosted by France at Toulon Naval Base.
- Origin: While the bilateral exercise between the two navies were initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
- Objective: The exercise aims to improve coordination, enhance interoperability, share experiences and best practices, and foster greater mutual understanding between the two Navies.
- Key Features of Exercise VARUNA 2026:
- Two Phases: The exercise includes professional engagements in harbour and at sea, allowing both Navies to undertake different activities.
- Harbour Phase: It includes cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements between the two Navies.
- Sea Phase: The exercise involves professional engagements at sea to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two Navies.
- Experience Sharing: The activities provide opportunities to share experiences and best practices and enhance interoperability.
- Mutual Understanding: The engagements help foster greater mutual understanding between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- Other India-France Military Exercises:
- FRINJEX: It is a joint Army exercise.
- GARUDA: It is a bilateral Air Force exercise.
