The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft has touched down at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France marking its first-ever deployment in Europe where it will participate in the 22nd edition of 'Exercise Varuna', said officials here.
The 2024 edition of Indo-French Bilateral Naval Exercise 'Varuna' is starting on Monday and will continue till September 4.
Exercise Varuna will take place in the Mediterranean Sea and includes advanced tactical exercises underscoring the deepening synergy and interoperability between the two navies.
The annually held 'Exercise Varuna' is an important part of the India-France strategic relationship in the 21st century. According to the Indian Navy 'INS Tabar' had already arrived in Toulon.
INS Tabar will also be participating in the exercise. Ex Varuna consists of naval cooperation drills between the French Navy and the Indian Navy. The joint exercises are usually held either in the Indian Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea.
The deployment has come after a long gap of 63 years.
In a post on X, the Indian Navy's spokesperson wrote, "Soaring High in Indo-French Cooperation! #IndianNavy's P-8I aircraft touched down at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube, marking its #firstever deployment in Europe for the 22nd edition of Exercise #Varuna with the #FrenchNavy.This deployment comes 63 years after the Indian Naval Alizé aircraft, operating from INS Vikrant, last flew at Hyères Airbase. This advanced tactical exercise underscores the deepening synergy & mutual respect b/n our navies."
Exercise Varuna commences with the aim of improving India-French coordination. It will also enhance capabilities like cross-deck operations, replenishment-at-sea, and information sharing. The Indian Navy said that they remain committed to fostering partnerships with navies across the world.
A few days before the 'Exercise Varuna' with the French Navy, Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar had gone to Malaga, Spain on August 25 and post departure on August 27 conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Spanish Navy Ship 'Atalaya' in the Mediterranean sea.
INS Tabar is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy. The ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Sword Arm Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.