Defence & Internal Security Prelims Plus
INS Tarkash, on her long range overseas deployment, conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Naval Ships in the North Atlantic Ocean on 29 and 30 July 2022.
Earlier in April 2022 Indian and French Navies have taken part in the Exercise Varuna that focuses on operational level interaction between them to enhance mutual cooperation at sea, underscoring their shared commitment to regional security.
Bilateral naval exercises between the Indian and French navies were initiated in 1993.
In 2001, the exercise was christened ‘VARUNA’ and has become a vital part of India-France strategic bilateral relationship
The 2022 edition was the 20th Exercise in the VARUNA series