INS Trishul takes part in 24th India–France naval exercise Varuna at Toulon
INS Trishul reached Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise of the Indian and French navies (reported 1 October 2026).
Summary
Indian Naval Ship Trishul arrived at Toulon on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy. The harbour phase included professional and cultural engagements and a wreath-laying at the Mazargues War Memorial, Marseille, for 205 Indian soldiers of the World Wars. In the sea phase the ship exercised with French units including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and SNA Suffren, with anti-submarine, anti-surface and live-firing drills.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Varuna, 24th edition (India–France)
- Indian ship
- INS Trishul
- Port
- Toulon, France (arrived 22 September 2026)
- French units
- FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette, SNA Suffren, NH90, Atlantique 2
- Memorial
- Mazargues War Memorial, Marseille (205 Indian soldiers)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise 'Varuna', in which INS Trishul took part in September 2026, is held between India and which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — France
Varuna is the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy; INS Trishul took part in the 24th edition.
For the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna (2026), INS Trishul arrived at which French port?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Toulon
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026; Marseille is where the crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial.