Varuna Naval Exercise: INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle Off Goa
Why in the news
India and France paired their aircraft carriers for Varuna, off Goa.
Key facts
- Carriers: INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle.
- India got hands-on exposure to Rafale-M jets.
- In anti-submarine warfare drills an Indian submarine played aggressor while frigates shielded the replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier.
| Domain | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sub-surface | Indian submarine operations |
| Surface | Joint frigate engagements |
| Air | MiG-29K and Rafale-M from both carriers |
Also practised: maritime patrol aircraft integration and replenishment at sea.
Significance
- Backs a free, open and secure maritime space and raises interoperability.
- France’s carrier group has been in the Indian Ocean since November 2024 under Mission Clemenceau 25.