Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 to take part in Exercise VARUNA 2026. This is the 24th edition of the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy (Marine Nationale).
France hosted the exercise at Toulon Naval Base on its Mediterranean coast from 22 to 28 September 2026. The French Navy welcomed the Indian warship with a ceremonial water cannon salute.
Harbour Phase: Professional and Cultural Engagements
The harbour phase combined professional, sporting and cultural activities. The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on RAdm Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and met senior French Navy leadership.
The officers and crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille, honouring 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars.
Cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational experience helped build interoperability. INS Trishul hosted a cultural interaction onboard, attended by VAdm (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon. A friendly volleyball match added to the camaraderie.
The Indian crew also toured the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle along with Forbin and La Fayette, learning about carrier operations and aviation facilities.
Sea Phase: Anti-Submarine and Live-Firing Drills
At sea, INS Trishul operated with FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and SNA Suffren, supported by NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The drills included anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface exercises, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing serials.
Why VARUNA 2026 Matters
VARUNA strengthens cooperation on maritime security, the protection of Sea Lanes of Communication, freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. It also supports the India-France Indo-Pacific roadmap. France is a resident Indo-Pacific power, with more than 93% of its Exclusive Economic Zone in the region.
VARUNA sits alongside Exercises GARUDA (air force), SHAKTI (army) and FRINJEX in a wider defence partnership that also covers Rafale fighter jets and the Kalvari-class Scorpène submarines built under Project 75.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Exercise: VARUNA 2026 (24th edition)
- Participants: Indian Navy and French Navy
- Venue: Toulon Naval Base, France
- Dates: 22–28 September 2026
- Indian Warship: INS Trishul
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