India, France To Hold Military Exercises In West Asia
Dated 18/9/2007
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Within the framework of their bilateral relations, both Indian and the French Navy are taking part in "Varuna 07", a sea and air military exercise that commenced on 11 Sep 07 offshore Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden.
Aiming at increasing the two navies' interoperability, it plans various maneuvers such as the visiting of ships by airborne and seaborne means, commando projection and air to surface exercise as well as a maritime patrol the in the abovementioned maritime zones.
The exercise will terminate on 19 Sep 07. The French contribution in the forthcoming exercise comes from the Djibouti based units (six Mirage 2000 and two Pumas helicopters) as well as from those placed under Alindien's (the Admiral commanding the Indian Ocean maritime zone) command; a maritime patrol aircraft, a corvette ("Commandant Blaison") and the "La Motte Picquet" frigate, which spearheaded the conduct of exercise from the French side. The Indian Navy participated through the destroyer "Rajput", guided missile frigate "Beas", supply ship – the "Jyoti" – two helicopters as well as several commando units.
"Varuna 07" is a continuation of the yearly-organized exercise, such as Varuna 06" held in March and April 2006 offshore the Indian state of Goa. The French contribution was then centered on the aircraft carrier group "Charles de Gaulle". It is also consistent with the Garuda biennial exercises (carried out last February, "Garuda III" associated Indian and French Air Force squadrons).
India and France have been establishing a solid and ever –strengthening partnership that has been formalised since the Indian Prime Minister and French President signed a comprehensive defence agreement between the two countries in 2006. "Varuna 07" is as such very much significant of this common will to develop and strengthen an ambitious co-operation between the two countries.
