21st Edition of VARUNA Exercise 2023

VARUNA Exercise Relevance 

VARUNA 2023 Exercise is a joint naval exercise between India and France. Varuna Exercise 2023 is an important milestone in the relationship b/w India and France.

VARUNA Exercise is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- International Relations and GS Paper – Internal Security).

VARUNA Exercise in News

• Recently, the 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France – Exercise Varuna commenced on the Western Seaboard.

VARUNA 2023

• Background: VARUNA Exercise between the two navies were initiated in 1993. However, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
• About: The Varuna Bilateral Naval Exercise is a joint military exercise between the navies of India and France alternatively held in India and France.
• Varuna 2023 Duration: the 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise is being conducted over five days from 16 to 20 January 2023.
• Participation: VARUNA 2023 will witness participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft.
  • The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.
• Key Activities: VARUNA Exercise will witness advanced air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment and other maritime operations.

VARUNA 2023 Importance

• Units of both navies will endeavour to-
  • Hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre,
  • Enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and
  • Demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region.
• Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, exercise VARUNA provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices.
• The VARUNA exercise facilitates operational level interaction between the two navies-
  • To foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea,
  • Underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.

VARUNA 2023 FAQs 

1. What is VARUNA Exercise?

Ans. VARUNA 2023 Exercise is a joint naval exercise between India and France.

2. VARUNA Exercise is held between which countries?

Ans. Ex VARUNA is conducted annually between the navies of India and France.

3. What is the Significance of the VARUNA 2023 Exercise?

Ans. The VARUNA exercise facilitates operational level interaction between the two navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.

India France Strategic Agreement

India France Strategic Agreement

Sharing is caring!