French Carrier Group Visits India for Mission CLEMENCEAU 25 and Varuna Exercise
The French Charles de Gaulle carrier group has begun its deployment as part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, making key stops in India to strengthen military cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. From January 4, 2025, the group, which includes the flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its escort vessels, and embedded air units, will dock at Goa and Kochi.
During this visit, the French and Indian navies will take part in the 42nd annual Varuna bilateral exercise, furthering their operational interoperability. This exercise is designed to prepare crews to counter multi-domain threats, including aerial, surface, and underwater challenges.
Strengthening Regional Alliances and Bilateral Cooperation
France and India share a strategic partnership established in 1998, marked by frequent joint exercises across all domains. Since 2022, French naval vessels have conducted 16 port visits in India, underscoring the deep military ties between the two nations. As resident nations of the Indian Ocean, France and India are committed to ensuring maritime security and fostering regional stability.
Expanding Strategic Influence in the Indo-Pacific
As part of its wider Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, the French carrier group will engage in other significant regional operations. These include the La Pérouse exercise in Indonesia and the Pacific Steller exercise in the Pacific Ocean. France’s commitment to maritime security is evident through its active participation in major operations, including:
- Operation ATALANTA: Fighting piracy and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean.
- Combined Task Force (CTF) 150: Combatting illicit trafficking.
- Operation ASPIDES: Safeguarding maritime routes from the Suez Canal to Hormuz.
Additionally, France is a longstanding member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), an initiative led by India that brings together 25 regional navies to address issues like illegal trafficking, search-and-rescue, and marine pollution. France chaired this forum from 2021 to 2023, demonstrating its leadership in maritime affairs.
The deployment of the French carrier group under Mission CLEMENCEAU 25 reaffirms France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India and enhancing maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. Through key exercises like Varuna and participation in multilateral operations, France continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring stability and safety in vital maritime regions.
