In an effort to enhance maritime interoperability, the navies of France and India are holding joint naval exercise, Varuna, commencing Wednesday and ending May 10, off the Goa coast.  The second phase of the extensive exercise will take place in Djibouti.  The biggest-ever exercise between the two strategic partners will see Charles De Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of France and INS Vikramaditya besides submarines, destroyers and several other frontline warships of the two countries.

The complex drill will also see Rafale jets of French Navy operating from the French aircraft carrier and MIG-29 K fighter jets flying from INS Vikramaditya performing exercises jointly apart from other warships carrying out operations across the spectrum of maritime operations.

Giving details of the event, Navy officials said here on Wednesday it is the 17th edition of Varuna and French ships include aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers Forbin and Provence, the frigate FNS Latouche-Treville, the tanker Marne and a nuclear submarine. From the Indian side, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Mumbai, the Teg-class frigate, INS Tarkash, the Shishumar- class submarine, INS Shankul, and the Deepak- class fleet tanker, INS Deepak, will be participating. 

The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The harbour phase at Goa will include cross-visits, professional interactions and discussions and sports events. The sea phase would comprise various exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations.  The second part is scheduled to be held at the end of May in Djibouti.

The bilateral naval exercise initiated in 1983 and christened as 'Varuna' in 2001, form a vital part of the India-French strategic partnership. Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, this exercise exemplifies the strong relations between the two nations, in line with the Joint Strategic Vision of India-French Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region signed by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former's State visit to India in March 2018.

The Varuna exercise aims at developing interoperability between the two navies and fostering mutual cooperation by learning from each other's best practices to conduct joint operations. The exercise underscores the shared interests and commitment of both nations in promoting maritime security.

This exercise is taking place days after India recently concluded biggest-ever exercise with Australia called "AUSINDEX" off the Visakhapatnam coast. Later this year, in a trilateral high-voltage exercise "Malabar," the Indian Navy will conduct drills with the US and Japan.