India–France Naval Exercise Varuna Phase II

In the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, maritime cooperation has become a strategic imperative for like-minded nations. The India–France Naval Exercise “Varuna”, particularly Phase II conducted in March 2025, stands as a testament to this shared vision of maritime security, interoperability, and defence diplomacy. As aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, understanding such bilateral military engagements is essential under GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Internal Security and Defence).

Background: Evolution of the Varuna Exercise

Initiated in 1993 and officially named “Varuna” in 2001, the India–France naval exercise has evolved into a comprehensive bilateral defence engagement covering the air, surface, and sub-surface domains. The 2025 edition marked the 23rd iteration of this enduring partnership. While Phase I was held earlier in the year, Phase II took place in the Arabian Sea from 19th to 22nd March 2025, focusing on high-intensity combat operations, joint tactical maneuvers, and information sharing protocols.

Strategic Significance of Varuna Phase II

1. Enhancing Maritime Interoperability

Varuna Phase II featured joint operations between the Indian Navy and the French Navy involving:

• Carrier-based fighter operations, including Rafale-M (France) and MiG-29K (India)
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills with support from Scorpene-class submarines
• Replenishment at sea (RAS) for extended operational sustainability
• Surface warfare tactics and air defence exercises using multi-role frigates and destroyers

These drills enhance the interoperability of both navies and their readiness to collaborate in real-time scenarios involving maritime threats or humanitarian assistance.

2. Reinforcing Indo-Pacific Maritime Security

The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the epicentre of strategic maritime attention due to increasing challenges such as:

• Freedom of Navigation violations
• Piracy and trafficking
• Territorial disputes in the South China Sea
• Maritime terrorism

India and France, both resident powers in the region (France via Réunion and New Caledonia), aim to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Varuna thus plays a pivotal role in operationalising this shared doctrine. Before you move on… Varuna isn’t just a naval drill—it’s part of India’s broader strategy to maintain a secure, rules-based maritime order in collaboration with strategic partners.

3. Eastern Maritime Dynamics and Kolkata’s Relevance

Though the Arabian Sea was the site for Phase II, the strategic implications extend to the eastern seaboard, including:

• Kolkata Port Trust and Haldia Dock Complex, both critical for maritime trade
• Eastern Naval Command (Visakhapatnam), responsible for India’s eastern maritime frontier
• Emerging regional challenges in the Bay of Bengal and proximity to ASEAN nations

For aspirants from Kolkata and nearby regions, this underlines India’s expanding maritime footprint and port security infrastructure—an important topic under GS Paper III.

Key Highlights of Varuna Phase II (2025)

Parameter	Details
Date	19–22 March 2025
Location	Arabian Sea
Participating Assets (India)	INS Vikrant, Scorpene-class submarines, MiG-29K
Participating Assets (France)	Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle, Rafale-M, frigates, support vessels
Operations	ASW, RAS, carrier strike group coordination, aerial defence

India–France Defence Relations: A Broader Perspective

Varuna is part of a wider India–France strategic relationship, including:

• Defence procurement (e.g., Rafale jets under IAF acquisition)
• Space and satellite cooperation
• Nuclear energy partnerships
• Joint patrolling missions in the Indian Ocean

France is among India’s most consistent defence partners within the European Union, and this cooperation has matured into long-term institutional trust.

Implications for UPSC Preparation

Paper	Topic
GS Paper II	Bilateral Relations – India–France, Indo-Pacific Strategy
GS Paper III	Internal Security, Role of Armed Forces, Maritime Security
Essay & Interview	Defence Diplomacy, Strategic Autonomy, Blue Economy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Exercise Varuna?

Varuna is an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and France, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation. It was first initiated in 1993 and named in 2001.

2. What makes Phase II of Varuna 2025 significant?

It involved multi-domain operations including air, surface, and sub-surface drills in the Arabian Sea, boosting operational synergy between both navies.

3. How is Varuna relevant to India’s eastern seaboard?

Though conducted in the west, the tactics and lessons are vital for Bay of Bengal preparedness, especially for the Eastern Naval Command and shipping routes near Kolkata.

4. Which vessels participated in Varuna 2025?

Notable Indian assets included INS Vikrant and Scorpene-class submarines. France deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and associated support ships.

5. Is this important for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

Yes. Varuna touches upon international relations, internal security, and defence preparedness—key topics in GS Paper II and III.

Conclusion

The Varuna Naval Exercise is a critical pillar in the strategic convergence between India and France, particularly as both nations aim to secure the Indo-Pacific region. For UPSC aspirants, it offers rich insights into bilateral relations, regional maritime dynamics, and defence strategy

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