Indo-French Naval exercises off Goa coast concludes

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar witnessed four-hour long naval manoeuvring between Indian Navy and its French counterpart off Goa coast on Saturday- the concluding day of 'Varuna' exercises.Parsekar along with the officials of French Embassy and Navies saw the aircrafts landing and parading sitting on French Naval aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is leading the group for the western country.

The exercises had began on April 23 off Goa coast with around 16 hours of practise between both the navies to understand each others' strength, and also sync the understanding during the emergency times."This was very good week for Indo-French relations. We have a range of cooperation which are moving forward. This time French and Indian Navy are working together," said French Ambassador Francois Richier, talking to PTI after participating in the VIP day on board the aircraft carrier.

"Today we went together with the Chief Minister of Goa and range of navy officers to participate in the VIP day. We were watching the activity from the aircraft carrier. We could see Indian and French navies parading together," he said.Parsekar told PTI that it was unique experience to see the might of two navies and how they are working in precision.

The French side is headed by aircraft carrier Carrier Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers namely Chevalier Paul and Jean de Vienne, replenishment tanker Meuse and a maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique 2.The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is carrying its complement of fighter aircraft Rafale M, strike aircraft Super Etendard, E2C Hawkeye AWACS and helicopters Dauphin and Alouette 3.

While Indian side has aircraft carrier INS Viraat, destroyer Mumbai, stealth frigate Tarkash, guided missile frigate Gomati, replenishment tanker Deepak, submarine Shankul and a few Fast Attack Craft.The aviation assets of the Indian Navy participating in Varuna-15 included carrier-borne fighter aircraft Sea Harriers, maritime reconnaissance aircraft P-8 I and Dorniers along with integral helicopters Seaking 42B and Chetak.

The scope of Exercise Varuna included the entire gamut of maritime operations from aircraft carrier operations, anti submarines warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations to multi-ship replenishment exercise.