23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise ‘VARUNA 2025’

Current Context: The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA 2025 between the Indian and French navies commenced on 19th March 2025 and concluded on 22nd March 2025 in the Arabian Sea.

• This annual exercise, established in 2001, serves as a cornerstone for enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.
• This year's edition featured advanced maritime drills across sub-surface, surface, and air domains.

Highlights included:

• Joint participation of aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and FS Charles de Gaulle, along with fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.
• Mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K aircraft.
• Anti-submarine warfare drills focusing on underwater domain awareness.
• Surface warfare exercises showcasing synchronized maneuvers and engagements.
• Replenishment-at-sea operations to fortify logistical cooperation.

Question:

Q.1 Where was the VARUNA 2025 exercise conducted?
a) Bay of Bengal
b) Arabian Sea
c) Indian Ocean
d) Mediterranean Sea

Answer: b) The VARUNA 2025 exercise was conducted in the Arabian Sea, where both navies participated in advanced maritime drills to enhance operational coordination.