India and France agreed to reiterate the bilateral maritime exercise VARUNA in three sea areas, namely, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean.

The navies of India and France have conducted VARUNA exercise since 2001 and there have been fifteen editions of the same till date. The last edition of VARUNA was conducted off the French Coast in April 2017. 

The first phase, being conducted in the Arabian Sea, will see the participation of a French submarine and frigate Jean de Vienne from the French side. The Indian Naval participation will include the destroyer INS Mumbai, frigate INS Trikand with their integral helicopters, IN submarine Kalvari, P8-I and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as the Mig 29K fighter aircraft.