France and India conduct joint naval exercise in Arabian Sea

France and India are conducting a joint naval exercise in the Arabian Sea to enhance their maritime capabilities and show strength against China. The exercise, called VARUNA 2025, is taking place from March 19 to March 22. The French navy has sent its only aircraft carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle, for this operation. This carrier has been active in the Indo-Pacific region since last November. India is also boosting its naval power, especially as China's presence grows in the Indian Ocean, which India considers its territory. The Indian navy's first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, became fully operational in December 2024. During this four-day exercise, the two navies will conduct various training drills. These include mock air combat using fighter jets from both countries and a range of naval operations. The goal is to improve cooperation and readiness against threats from the air, sea, and underwater. The Indian Defense Ministry highlighted that exercises like VARUNA strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Both navies are focused on maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. As the naval exercise unfolds, it is uncertain if India will soon engage in similar exercises with the United States, which has a carrier in the region as well. The U.S., India, Australia, and Japan are part of a strategic alliance known as Quad, aimed at strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific.