Indo-French Joint Naval Exercise Varuna 2018 Concluded

Joint Military Exercise Name: Varuna-18 Date: 15 March – 2 April 2018 Venue: the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Southwest Indian Ocean Participants: French Navy and Indian Navy

Joint Naval Exercise Varuna 2018:

Varuna is the name of the annual naval exercises between the Indian and French navies. The first phase of the Indo-French Joint Naval Exercise Varuna 2018 concluded on March 24, 2018. The 2018 version of Varuna focussed on joint interoperability and readiness of the two navies for anti-piracy and combat missions in the Indian Ocean. The two navies have carried out joint exercises every year since 1993.

Where was Varuna-18 conducted?

The joint exercises Varuna 2018 got a mention in the joint statement released by Macron and Indian PM Modi during the former’s visit. It was the part of the growing security ties between the two nations.

• The first phase of Varuna 2018 was conducted in the Arabian Sea.
• The harbor phase lasted from March 15-19, and begin immediately after French president Emmanuel Macron’s maiden visit to India.

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• The sea phase of the first leg was held off the coast of Goa from March 20-24.

The second phase is planned to be held in the Bay of Bengal in April while the third phase will happen around May near the French-occupied Indian Ocean island of La Reunion.

Ships Participated in Joint exercise Varuna 2018:

France’s anti-submarine frigate Jean de Vienne was reported to be in action. While the Indian side had INS Mumbai (destroyer) and INS Trikand (frigate) participated. Besides, the submarine Kalvari, patrol aircraft Dormier and MiG 29K fighter jets also joined in this joint exercise. Much of the exercises focus on boosting joint anti-piracy mission capabilities of the two navies, something which has been emphasized again and again.

Quick Facts of Joint Naval Exercise Varuna 2018:

• Varuna-18 joint exercise has been divided into three phases – Arabian Sea phase(15-24 March), Bay of Bengal Phase(April) and Southwest Indian Ocean phase(May).
• France’s anti-submarine frigate Jean de Vienne participated in the first phase, while India had INS Mumbai and INS Trikand, besides patrol aircraft and MiG 29K fighters.
• This is the sixteenth version of Varuna exercises – the 2017 version saw the Indian Navy in joint exercises with the French Navy in European waters.

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