India-France Joint Naval Exercise Varuna

The Indian Navy and the French Navy recently conducted bilateral exercise named ‘Varuna’ off the coast of Goa. This exercise took place from March 19 to March 22, 2025. It involved the deployment of two aircraft carriers – India’s INS Vikrant and France’s Charles de Gaulle. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and operational capabilities between the two naval forces.

Overview of Exercise Varuna

Exercise Varuna is an annual naval drill between India and France. This year, it focused on various naval warfare domains, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. The exercise allowed Indian forces to closely observe and operate alongside the French Rafale-M fighter jets, which India plans to contract soon.

Key Activities

The exercise included rigorous ASW training, where an Indian submarine acted as an aggressor. French and Indian frigates worked together to protect high-value units, enhancing tactical cooperation. The exercise also featured surface warfare operations, demonstrating synchronised manoeuvres by both fleets.

Strategic Importance

Exercise Varuna puts stress on the strategic partnership between India and France. It reflects their shared commitment to ensuring a free, open, and secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration is vital for maintaining regional stability and enhancing maritime security.

Operational Enhancements

The exercise improved situational awareness through maritime patrol aircraft and logistical cooperation via replenishment-at-sea exercises. Such activities are crucial for effective naval operations in complex maritime scenarios.

French Naval Presence

The French Carrier Strike Group has been active in the Indian Ocean Region since November 2024 as part of the Clémenceau 25 mission. This mission aims to strengthen ties with partners in the Indo-Pacific and involves various exercises with other nations.

Future Prospects

The increasing complexity and scope of Exercise Varuna indicate a growing collaboration between the Indian and French navies. Both nations are committed to encouraging mutual understanding and best practices in maritime operations.

Importance of Interoperability

Interoperability is crucial for joint operations. The exercises allow both navies to build trust and familiarity, enabling them to operate effectively together in future missions.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics.
2. What are the key components of Anti-Submarine Warfare? Explain their relevance in modern naval operations.
3. What is the Clémenceau 25 mission? How does it contribute to France’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean?
4. Explain the concept of maritime security. What challenges does it face in the context of international relations?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics.

1. The Indo-Pacific is a vital trade route, accounting for portion of global maritime trade.
2. It is home to major economies like China, and Japan, influencing global economic dynamics.
3. The region faces security challenges, including territorial disputes and military assertiveness, particularly from China.
4. Strategic alliances, such as QUAD and AUKUS, emphasize the importance of collective security and stability.
5. The Indo-Pacific is crucial for countering piracy, ensuring freedom of navigation, and maintaining a rules-based order.

2. What are the key components of Anti-Submarine Warfare? Explain their relevance in modern naval operations.

1. Key components include submarine detection, tracking, and neutralization using sonar, torpedoes, and depth charges.
2. Coordination between surface ships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft enhances operational effectiveness.
3. ASW is essential for protecting naval assets and ensuring maritime superiority against submarine threats.
4. Modern naval operations increasingly rely on advanced technology, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and AI-based systems.
5. With rising submarine capabilities globally, effective ASW is critical for national security and deterrence strategies.

3. What is the Clémenceau 25 mission? How does it contribute to France’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean?

1. The Clémenceau 25 mission involves the deployment of the French Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean region.
2. It aims to strengthen military ties with regional partners and enhance cooperative security efforts.
3. The mission supports France’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering regional threats.
4. Engagements during the mission focus on joint exercises with allies, improving interoperability and readiness.
5. This mission reinforces France’s role as a key player in regional security dynamics and maritime stability.

4. Explain the concept of maritime security. What challenges does it face in the context of international relations?

1. Maritime security encompasses the protection of maritime interests, including trade routes, fisheries, and territorial waters.
2. It involves addressing threats such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and territorial disputes.
3. International cooperation is essential for effective maritime security, but geopolitical tensions can hinder collaboration.
4. Emerging technologies and asymmetric warfare present new challenges, complicating traditional security approaches.
5. Climate change and environmental degradation also impact maritime security, necessitating a comprehensive response.