Exercise Varuna 2026: INS Trishul completes 24th edition sea phase with French Navy
Synopsis
INS Trishul has wrapped up the sea phase of the 24th Exercise Varuna in the Mediterranean, drilling with a French nuclear attack submarine, frigates and maritime patrol aircraft — the most operationally complex edition yet. With a wreath-laying for 205 Indian World War soldiers and a call on French deputy naval command, the exercise signals that India-France maritime ties are deepening well beyond routine drills.
Key Takeaways
INS Trishul completed the sea phase of the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna in the Mediterranean Sea , confirmed on 1 October 2026 .
Drills included anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing serials alongside FDA Forbin , FLF La Fayette and nuclear submarine SNA Suffren .
The ship arrived at Toulon on 22 September and sailed for the sea phase on 25 September .
The crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille for 205 Indian soldiers who died in the World Wars.
The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk , Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and crew visited carrier Charles de Gaulle .
Indian Naval Ship Trishul has successfully completed the sea phase of the 24th edition of bilateral Exercise 'Varuna' with the French Navy, conducting advanced drills alongside two French frigates, a nuclear attack submarine, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on 1 October 2026.
Sea Phase Operations
INS Trishul sailed out from Toulon on 25 September for the sea phase of the annual bilateral exercise. According to the Indian Navy, the drills encompassed anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing exercises and cross-deck helicopter landing serials — all designed to sharpen operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies.
'Anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing exercises and cross-deck helicopter landing serials provided opportunities to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Navies, reaffirming the strong and enduring India-France maritime partnership,' the Indian Navy stated.
During the sea phase, INS Trishul operated alongside French Navy units FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and nuclear attack submarine SNA Suffren, supported by NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.
Harbour Phase and Bilateral Engagements
INS Trishul had arrived at Toulon on 22 September and was received with a ceremonial water cannon salute by the French Navy. The harbour phase that followed featured professional, sporting and cultural engagements aimed at reinforcing maritime ties. Cross-deck visits and the exchange of operational experiences contributed to enhanced interoperability between the two forces.
The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and engaged with senior French Navy leadership. The ship also hosted a cultural interaction onboard, attended by Vice Admiral (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, alongside French Navy officers and civil dignitaries. A friendly volleyball match further fostered camaraderie between personnel of both navies.
Wreath-Laying at Mazargues War Memorial
In a moment of solemn remembrance, the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of INS Trishul laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille, honouring 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars. The gesture underscored the deep historical ties between India and France that predate the modern defence partnership.
Strategic Significance of Varuna
The crew also visited French Navy ships Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette, gaining insights into carrier operations, aviation facilities and onboard practices. This comes amid a broader deepening of the India-France strategic partnership, which has accelerated across defence, space and technology domains in recent years. Exercise Varuna, held annually since 1993, remains one of the most comprehensive bilateral naval exercises in India's maritime engagement calendar. The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that the visit underscores both navies' commitment to strengthening maritime engagement, interoperability and professional exchanges.
Point of View
Live firing and cross-deck aviation serials, a significant step up from earlier iterations. India's decision to deploy INS Trishul, a capable guided-missile frigate, into the Mediterranean signals a deliberate effort to project maritime presence beyond the Indian Ocean Region. The visit to Charles de Gaulle and the call on CECMED are not ceremonial footnotes — they are access that very few navies enjoy with France. As India eyes Rafale Marine fighters and potential future carrier collaboration, exercises like Varuna are the operational foundation on which that strategic trust is being built.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise Varuna between India and France?
Exercise Varuna is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, conducted since 1993. It covers anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing, and air-naval coordination drills, and is one of India's most comprehensive bilateral maritime exercises.
What did INS Trishul do during the 24th Varuna exercise?
INS Trishul conducted anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing drills alongside French frigates FDA Forbin and FLF La Fayette and nuclear attack submarine SNA Suffren. The ship also participated in harbour-phase professional, cultural and sporting engagements in Toulon.
Why did the INS Trishul crew visit the Mazargues War Memorial?
The crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille to honour 205 Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars. The gesture highlights the historical depth of ties between India and France that go beyond the current defence partnership.
Which French Navy assets participated in Exercise Varuna 2026?
The exercise involved frigates FDA Forbin and FLF La Fayette, nuclear attack submarine SNA Suffren, NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Crew from INS Trishul also visited the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during the harbour phase.
What is the broader significance of India-France naval exercises?
India and France share a strategic partnership that spans defence, space and technology. Varuna exercises build the operational interoperability and professional trust that underpin broader defence cooperation, including potential future collaboration on carrier aviation and naval platforms.
