A yearly massive naval exercise that emphasizes the close friendship between India and France is the Varuna exercise. The aim of the exercise this year, from March 19–22, 2025, is to promote communication between the Indian and French navies.

We need exercises like Varuna to prepare forces to operate in numerous environments as concerns about maritime security worldwide grow.

The Varuna Exercise: What is it?

Varuna exercise is a part of a larger series of exercises for defence cooperation between France and India. Building naval capability and making both nations capable of engaging in airborne, surface-based, and underwater multi-environmental threats are the broad goals of the bi-annual exercise.

The name of the exercise, an homage to the ancient Hindu water god, reflects the intense naval cooperation between the two countries.

A Sign of Cooperation

India and France are strategic allies for nearly 30 years. It is testified through the Varuna exercise that it overpasses many domains of military cooperation.

France and India conduct other exercises in the air (GARUDA) and on land (SHAKTI). The all departments has been guaranteed with the effectiveness provided by this interdisciplinary approach.

Dollar-Costly Operational Resources

The Charles De Gaulle carrier ship will command the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) which will conduct this year’s Varuna exercise.

CSG is a highly powerful navy force with its advanced aircraft and accompanying ships. To ensure greater readiness to action and the management of a variety of threats, the Indian and French forces participating in the exercise will conduct a variety of drills.

The Indian Carrier Strike Group under the command of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will also see a significant deployment during the drill. Through synergies, both navies can increase their working capabilities and position themselves to face any contingency situation that might arise in the neighbourhood.

Establishing Alliances within the Indo-Pacific

Varuna is yet another element of France’s broad vision for an open, free, and secure Indo-Pacific. Through the CLEMENCEAU 25 mission to reinforce connections with Indo-Pacific partners, France has sent the CSG since November 2024.

France has a high appreciation for the strategic importance of the region and would prefer to leverage exercises like Varuna to improve security and cooperation among allies.

French warships have, in recent months, been engaging in a series of exercises with the Indian forces to make port calls at strategic locations such as Goa and Kochi. The interactions strengthen bilateral diplomatic ties as well as increase military preparedness.

Commitment to Maritime Safety

France has pledged to work with its allies to secure the seafaring region since it is a nation bordering the Indian Ocean. This is attested by the fact that the French military is present in the Southern Indian Ocean and the United Arab Emirates.

France’s pledge to the security of the region is attested by the deployment of critical assets like the CSG. By beginning with the Varuna exercise, both nations can demonstrate their might and will to take on any obstacle. Through joint exercises, India and France reinforce their combined defence and get used to each other’s operational procedures.

Varuna 2025: Anticipated Events

Participants can look forward to a series of exercise drills meant to mimic the true scenario as the Varuna exercise approaches. The navies will exercise air defense, anti-surface operations, and anti-submarine warfare to test their capabilities.

The exercise will also bring with it the best chance to allow staff officers from both nations to learn from one another and share best practices. Trust and cooperation—two prerequisites for future cooperative operations—will be essential for such learning.

Final Thoughts

Yet another significant milestone in the historic Indo-French relationship will be observed in 2025 when the Varuna exercise begins. Such exercises as Varuna are crucial in further cementing the two countries’ military ties as they grapple with the evolving Indo-Pacific security challenge.

India and France are increasing their naval capability and reaffirming an open and peaceful oceanic order through cooperation and exercise. The entire world will watch as these two nations join forces to conquer common foes and provide regional peace.

Exercise Varuna is a demonstration of France and India’s abiding and unbreakable ties and their mutual determination to forge a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific future. It is not just a military exercise.