Indian warships arrive to France for exercise Varuna

Three Indian Navy warships on a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and West Coast of Africa arrived to the French navy base in Toulon on April 24.

Following a three-day port call, the warships will join their French Navy counterparts to take part in the bilateral exercise Varuna.

The Varuna was first organized by the two countries in 2000 while the last iteration took place off the Indian coast.

The Indian three-ship task group is composed of INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya, and is headed by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, who is flying his flag on the guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai.

Rear Admiral RB Pandit is also scheduled to visit the French frigate FNS Auvergne, a French nuclear submarine, as well as an underwater weapons facility. He would also call on senior official in France, including Vice Admiral Charles-Henri du Che, Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Sea Area (CECMED).

A reception onboard the visiting ships is scheduled for April 25.