INS Trishul Reaches Toulon for 24th India-France Maritime Exercise VARUNA

Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon in France on September 22 to take part in the 24th edition of VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise conducted by the Indian and French navies. The exercise will include a range of professional activities both at the harbour and at sea. These are expected to include cross-deck visits, operational engagements and sporting events, providing personnel from both navies an opportunity to share operational knowledge, exchange best practices and improve interoperability.

The Indian Navy said INS Trishul’s visit reflects the long-standing maritime partnership between India and France and underlines the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain. The deployment to France comes shortly after the warship completed a three-day port visit to Alexandria, Egypt, on September 17. INS Trishul had arrived there on September 14 after conducting a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Naval Ship ENS Bernees.

The exercise involved coordinated manoeuvres, communication procedures and approaches for replenishment-at-sea operations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drills allowed the two navies to share professional expertise and further improve operational coordination. During its stay in Alexandria, INS Trishul was escorted into port by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. Ambassador of India to Egypt Suresh K Reddy also visited the vessel and interacted with its crew, highlighting the significance of the Indian Navy’s deployment in the region.

The port call also included a tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the two World Wars. The commanding officer and crew of INS Trishul paid their respects at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and commemorates 19 Indian soldiers who died aboard ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Beyond the ceremonial engagements, Indian and Egyptian naval personnel held discussions on improving interoperability and identifying opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. The Indian Navy said these interactions also reflected the longstanding friendship between India and Egypt.

Following the Alexandria visit and the PASSEX with the Egyptian Navy, INS Trishul continued its deployment towards France, where it is now participating in VARUNA. The exercise provides another platform for the Indian Navy to work alongside a key international maritime partner and strengthen operational coordination through practical engagement at sea.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.