INDIAN AND FRENCH NAVIES CONDUCT VARUNA
Why in News?
The first part of the Indo-French joint naval exercise, Varuna 19.1 will be conducted off the Goa coast.
Ex Varuna:
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The exercise will be conducted in two phases:
- The harbour phase at Goa would include cross-visits, professional interactions and discussions and sports events.
- The sea phase would comprise various exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations.
- The second part of Varuna is scheduled to be held at the end of May in Djibouti.
- The bilateral naval exercise initiated in 1983 form a vital part of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
- Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, this exercise exemplifies the strong relations between the two nations, in line with the Joint Strategic Vision of India-French Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The Varuna exercise aims at developing interoperability between the two navies and fostering mutual cooperation by learning from each other’s best practices to conduct joint operations.
- The exercise underscores the shared interests and commitment of both nations in promoting maritime security