Why in news
The French Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by FNS Charles De Gaulle, is deployed in the Indian Ocean for Mission Clemenceau 25.
The CSG will make stopovers in Goa and Kochi
During Mission Clemenceau 25, the Charles De Gaulle CSG and Indian Navy ships will participate in the 42nd edition of Exercise Varuna.
India is negotiating a deal to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France.
The British CSG, led by Queen Elizabeth, will also deploy in the Indian Ocean and visit India in 2025.
France-India Naval Cooperation
India and France share strong maritime ties with joint exercises:
Ex Shakti (land exercise)
Ex Varuna (naval exercise)
Ex Garuda (air exercise)
France has made 16 port calls in India since 2022, showcasing their ongoing operational cooperation.
The focus of Varuna exercise is on aero-naval training to improve interoperability between the two navies, preparing them to handle multi-domain threats (air, surface, submarine).
France has been a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium since 2008, an initiative led by India to bring together 25 navies from Indian Ocean countries.
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