The Indian Navy ship, INS Trishul, arrived at the port of Toulon, France on September 22 to participate in the twenty-fourth edition of the naval exercise 'Varuna', which is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. This event was warmly welcomed by the French Navy and was held with a ceremonial water salute.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
The port phase of the exercise included professional, sports, and cultural activities aimed at strengthening maritime relations and professional ties between the two navies. The commander of INS Trishul met with Vice Admiral Marc-Antoine Hélène, Deputy Commander of French Navy Operations, via video and discussed with senior leadership of the French Navy.
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Subsequently, the ship's commander and team members also paid tribute at the war memorial in Marseille by laying a wreath at the memorial for 205 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World Wars. Professional activities included reciprocal visits and the exchange of operational experiences that contributed to enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
Cultural Interactions and Naval Exercises
INS Trishul also held a cultural interaction onboard attended by Rear Admiral (Retired) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers, and civilian figures. Additionally, a friendly volleyball match was organized to strengthen friendship and solidarity between the personnel of the two navies. The ship's team members also visited French Navy vessels including Charles de Gaulle, Forbin, and La Fayette, and became familiar with the carrier operations, air facilities, and procedures in place there.
During the maritime phase, INS Trishul, along with units of the French Navy, including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette, and SNA Suffren, conducted exercises and also collaborated with NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Anti-submarine, anti-surface, and live-fire exercises, along with helicopter landing operations on deck, enhanced operational coordination, interoperability, and synergy between the two navies.
The visit of INS Trishul to Toulon reaffirms the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and France and the commitment of both navies to strengthen maritime interactions, interoperability, and professional exchanges.
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