France-India Military Relationship: The French naval carrier strike group, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles De Gaulle, is in the Indian Ocean for the Varuna naval exercise with Indian warships.
This exercise is part of Mission Clemenceau 25, which aims to protect France’s interests in the Indo-Pacific and support European operations in the region. The French embassy described it as a way to strengthen partnerships and improve cooperation with allies like India.
The Varuna exercise, held annually since 2001, is focused on training both navies to work together against threats from the air, surface, and submarines. According to Hindustantimes, The French embassy said, “The aim of this aero-naval training is to develop interoperability between our two navies, and to prepare crews to deal with a multi-milieu threat (air, surface, submarine) as part of a coalition.”
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The FNS Charles De Gaulle can carry up to 40 aircraft, including Rafale Marine fighters, E-2C Hawkeye early warning planes, and helicopters. It operates with more than 1,000 crew members. Last year, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar, a stealth frigate, participated in the Varuna exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, along with the Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft.
France-India Military Relationship
France and India have a strong military relationship. As per ThePrint, France has called India its “foremost strategic partner since 1998.” The partnership includes joint exercises like Shakti for the army, Garuda for the air force, and Varuna for the navy. French Navy ships have also made 16 port visits to India since 2022.
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The French carrier strike group will also take part in Exercise La Perouse in the Indonesian zone and Exercise Pacific Steller in the Pacific Ocean after its activities in the Indian Ocean.
France has long been active in the region, with military units stationed on nearby islands, and it continues to focus on improving its ties with regional partners. France’s involvement in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), led by India since 2008, reflects its ongoing commitment to regional security.
