New Delhi: Indian Navy warship INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on September 22, 2026, to participate in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise ‘VARUNA’ between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
The exercise is aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries through professional engagements, exchange of operational experiences and activities designed to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies.
VARUNA Exercise to Include Harbour and Sea Engagements
The 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA will feature a range of professional engagements during both the harbour and sea phases.
The activities will provide personnel from the Indian and French navies opportunities to interact, exchange experiences and understand each other’s operational practices.
Key engagements during the exercise will include:
- Cross-deck visits between the two navies.
- Professional and operational interactions.
- Sporting engagements.
- Exchange of experiences and best practices.
- Activities aimed at enhancing interoperability.
- Opportunities to strengthen mutual understanding between naval personnel.
These engagements are expected to provide a platform for both navies to build familiarity and improve coordination through professional interaction.
India-France Maritime Cooperation
The arrival of INS Trishul at Toulon highlights the continuing maritime partnership between India and France and the expanding scope of cooperation between their navies.
Bilateral naval exercises such as VARUNA provide an institutional platform for the two countries to maintain regular professional engagement and strengthen cooperation in the maritime domain. The VARUNA series has been a longstanding feature of India-France naval cooperation.
The two navies have also participated in other forms of maritime cooperation, including port visits and professional exchanges, contributing to greater familiarity and coordination between their personnel.
Exercise VARUNA to Strengthen Interoperability
A key objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and French Navy.
Through interactions in harbour and at sea, personnel will have opportunities to exchange operational experiences and best practices. Such engagements can help strengthen professional understanding and coordination between the two maritime forces.
The exercise also provides an opportunity for both sides to build upon their existing defence and maritime relationship through regular naval interaction.
INS Trishul Visit Highlights Enduring Bilateral Ties
The visit of INS Trishul to Toulon reflects the enduring nature of India-France maritime cooperation and the continued engagement between the two navies.
The exercise is expected to contribute to closer professional ties and greater mutual understanding while supporting the broader maritime partnership between the two countries.
The participation of INS Trishul in VARUNA 2026 comes as the Indian Navy continues overseas engagements with partner navies, including recent deployments and bilateral maritime exercises in different regions.
Overall, the 24th edition of VARUNA will provide another platform for India and France to strengthen naval cooperation through professional interactions, exchange of best practices and maritime engagements.
