IBNS-CMEDIA: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on September 22 to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
“The ship received a warm welcome from the French Navy with a ceremonial water cannon salute,” the Indian government said in a statement.
The harbour phase featured a series of professional, sporting and cultural engagements aimed at strengthening maritime ties and fostering professional bonds between the two navies.
The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and interacted with senior leadership of the French Navy.
The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of INS Trishul also laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille to commemorate the 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars.
Professional engagements included cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational experiences, contributing to enhanced interoperability between the two navies.
INS Trishul also hosted a cultural interaction onboard, attended by Vice Admiral (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers and civil dignitaries. A friendly volleyball match further strengthened camaraderie among personnel from the two navies.
The ship’s crew also visited French Navy vessels Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette, gaining insights into carrier operations, aviation facilities and practices followed onboard.
During the sea phase, INS Trishul conducted exercises alongside French Navy units, including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and SNA Suffren, as well as NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.
The exercises included anti-submarine, anti-surface and live-firing drills, along with cross-deck helicopter landing serials, enhancing operational coordination, interoperability and synergy between the two navies.
“The visit of INS Trishul to Toulon reaffirms the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and France and the commitment of both navies to strengthening maritime engagement, interoperability and professional exchanges,” the statement said.
