14th edition of Indo-French naval exercise VARUNA concludes

14th edition of Indo-French naval exercise Varuna concluded on 2 May 2015 in Goa.
The naval exercise concluded in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar along with Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command.
The ten day long exercise commenced on 23 April 2015 and included both a harbour and sea phase in Goa. In this edition of exercise, French Navy was represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle and Indian side was represented by Aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
In the exercise, entire gamut of various maritime operations from aircraft carrier operations, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarines warfare exercises to multi-ship replenishment exercise were conducted.
This operation aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies and also showcases the close ties between the two countries.

About Varuna naval exercise

• Following the establishment of strategic partnership in 1998 between both countries, every year Indian Navy and French Navy are conducting naval exercises.
• In 2001, the naval exercise was christened as ‘Varuna’. Thirteenth edition of this naval exercise was conducted in the Mediterranean Sea.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2015