23rd India–France naval exercise Varuna concludes with carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
The 23rd edition of the India–France bilateral naval exercise Varuna, held from 19 to 22 March 2025 in the Arabian Sea with aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, concluded on 22 March 2025.
Summary
The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise Varuna between the Indian Navy and the French Navy was held from 19 to 22 March 2025 and concluded on 22 March. It featured India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and France's Charles de Gaulle with their fighters, destroyers, frigates and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine. Drills included air defence exercises and mock air combat between French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K jets, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, maritime patrol and replenishment at sea by the two fleet tankers. The Ministry of Defence said this edition achieved a higher degree of operational coordination than previous ones. The exercise has been held since 2001.
Key facts
- Dates
- 19–22 March 2025
- Edition
- 23rd
- Navies
- India and France
- Carriers
- INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
- Fighters
- Rafale-M and MiG-29K
- Since
- 2001
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which two aircraft carriers took part in the India–France naval exercise Varuna 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
Varuna 2025 saw the joint participation of INS Vikrant and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Which edition of the India–France naval exercise Varuna was held from 19 to 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Varuna 2025 was the 23rd edition of the exercise.
In Varuna 2025, mock air combat was conducted between which aircraft?
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Correct answer: A — Rafale-M and MiG-29K
Air defence drills included mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and the Indian MiG-29K.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Varuna: 1. It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France that has been held since 2001. 2. An Indian Scorpene-class submarine took part in the 2025 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Official releases say Varuna has been a cornerstone of India–France naval cooperation since its inception in 2001, and the 2025 edition included an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.