17th Indo-French Naval staff talks enhance maritime cooperation

The 17th round of talks between the Indian Navy (IN) and the French Navy (FN) took place from February 6 to 7 in New Delhi. Both sides actively engaged in discussions focusing on operational strategies, training programmes, and Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchanges. 

| Updated: 08 February, 2024 2:38 pm IST

NEW DELHI: The 17th round of talks between the Indian Navy (IN) and the French Navy (FN) took place from February 6 to 7 in New Delhi. Both sides actively engaged in discussions focusing on operational strategies, training programmes, and Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchanges.

Acknowledging the increasing cooperation between the two navies, they emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration and interoperability in the maritime domain.

Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, ACNS (FCI), and Rear Admiral Jean Marc Durandau, Director of International Engagements, FN, co-chaired the meeting.

During the talks, Rear Admiral Jean Marc Durandau also met with Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, to discuss the high level of synergy and interoperability between IN and FN. Additionally, he visited the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

The latest naval exercise between India and France, Varuna-23 Phase-2, conducted in the Arabian Sea on September 7, 2023, featured guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters from both sides. Over three days, joint operations, underway replenishment, and tactical maneuvers were carried out to enhance fighting skills, improve interoperability, and promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

The Varuna exercise, initiated in 1993 and officially named in 2001, symbolises the strong strategic bilateral relationship between India and France. It serves as a platform for operational-level interaction to foster mutual cooperation for maritime security and ensure the safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.

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