The Varuna series of maritime exercises has become the backbone of the India-France naval partnership
The 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral naval Exercise Varuna has concluded successfully in the Mediterranean Sea, showcasing the deepening defence collaboration between the two nations. Held from September 2 to 4, 2024, this exercise featured advanced maritime operations involving the Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tabar and the Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) P8I aircraft, alongside France’s naval forces, including the frigate FS Provence, the nuclear-powered submarine Suffren, and various aircraft such as the Atlantique 2.
 
This year’s exercise marked a significant milestone in India’s growing maritime influence, signalling the country’s ability to project power well beyond its traditional operational zones.
 
A key highlight of the exercise was the FLYEX (fly exercise), which involved coordinated operations between air and naval assets, showcasing seamless integration. INS Tabar and the P8I aircraft engaged in these operations, working closely with the French forces, who deployed their fighter jets, helicopters (NH90 and Dauphin), and submarines.
 
The Varuna series of exercises, initiated in 2001, has become the backbone of the Indo-French naval partnership. Each edition of the exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies across the three primary maritime domains—air, surface, and sub-surface.
 
The 2024 edition included complex tactical manoeuvres, advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, air defence drills, and live weapon firings, emphasizing the evolving capabilities of both navies to tackle modern maritime challenges.
 
The exercise also included a PHOTOEX (photo exercise) and steam past events, emphasizing the strength and coordination of both navies.
 
The significance of Exercise Varuna 2024 goes beyond mere tactical drills. By conducting this exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, India demonstrated its expanding naval reach and operational versatility. Traditionally focused on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy's presence in the Mediterranean underscores its ability to sustain extended maritime operations far from home. This also aligns with India's broader maritime strategy of engaging with global partners and ensuring the security of international sea lanes.
 
For France, this exercise solidifies its position as a key maritime power in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. The French Navy’s advanced assets, including the Suffren submarine and Atlantique 2, brought a level of sophistication to the exercise, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, which remains a critical aspect of modern naval strategy. The nuclear-powered Suffren, capable of extended underwater operations, played a crucial role in the ASW exercises, underscoring the importance of submarine warfare in maintaining maritime dominance
 
India’s participation, led by INS Tabar and the P8I aircraft, highlighted the Indian Navy’s evolving operational capabilities. The P8I is a potent platform for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems. Its deployment in Europe during VARUNA marks its first operational foray into the region, further showcasing India's global maritime reach
 
The P8I’s participation added significant value to the exercise, especially in maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare, two areas where India is increasingly becoming a formidable force.
 
Since its inception, the Varuna exercise has been a cornerstone of India-France defence relations, with both countries recognizing the importance of maritime security and collaborative defence efforts. France and India share a strong commitment to safeguarding global sea lanes and addressing shared security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise reflects their dedication to maintaining a rules-based international order in the maritime domain.