IndiaPosted at: Sep 24 2026 5:53PM


INS Trishul arrives in Toulon for 24th India-France maritime exercise Varuna

New Delhi, Sep 24 (UNI) Indian Navy's frontline warship INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, to participate in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Varuna with the French Navy, in a fresh engagement aimed at enhancing operational interoperability and strengthening the maritime partnership between the two countries.
The exercise will comprise professional engagements both ashore and at sea, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting events.
These activities are expected to facilitate exchange of operational experience and best practices between the two navies while enhancing mutual understanding.
The deployment of INS Trishul to France comes as India and France continue to expand their defence and maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
The two countries have maintained a regular naval engagement through Varuna, which has evolved into an important platform for advancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
During the exercise, personnel from both navies will engage in professional interactions designed to familiarise themselves with each other's operational procedures and practices.
The cross-deck activities are also intended to provide an opportunity for sailors and officers to gain first-hand exposure to the functioning and capabilities of the partner navy.
The latest edition of Varuna underscores the enduring strategic and maritime partnership between India and France and reflects the expanding scope of bilateral naval cooperation.
Varuna is the principal bilateral maritime exercise between India and France. It provides the two navies with a regular platform to conduct complex maritime operations, exchange operational knowledge and strengthen interoperability.
The exercise has evolved over the years from basic naval interactions into a more comprehensive engagement involving advanced maritime manoeuvres and coordinated operations.
It forms part of the broader defence partnership between India and France, which includes cooperation in maritime security, defence technology, training and operational exchanges.
The two countries have also stepped up maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, where both India and France have longstanding strategic interests.
France maintains overseas territories and a military presence in the Indian Ocean, while India regards the region as central to its maritime security and wider Indo-Pacific engagement. UNI PWS SAS
Tags: #INS Trishul arrives in Toulon for 24th India-France maritime exercise Varuna
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