As
a part of operational exchanges between the navies of India and France
joint naval exercises, codenamed Varuna, are held off Mumbai.
A guided missile destroyer FNS Dupleix and an
underway replenishment tanker FNS Marne participated from the
French Navy. From the Indian side, a guided missile frigate, a ‘Leander’
class frigate and a ‘Shishumar’ class submarine took part in the
exercise.
The exercises included surface, anti-aircraft and
anti-submarine warfare tactical manoeuvres. In addition, the forces
participated in a day-and-night surface action exercise and cross deck
helicopter operations at sea. Off shore, the participating units took part
in training, workshops and various sports, social and cultural activities.
This was the fourth in the series of bilateral exercises between the
Indian and French navies. The first exercise was held in November, 2001
off Mumbai. Two exercises of the series were held in May and November,
2002. The Varuna series of exercises is indicative of the growing
cooperation between the Indian and French navies.
