In a striking display of maritime prowess and strategic collaboration,the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG),spearheaded by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, recently conducted joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy off the coasts of Goa and Kochi. This high-level engagement is part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, a French-led initiative aimed at fostering a free and secure Indo-Pacific region by bolstering naval interoperability and strengthening ties between allied forces.
strategic Alliance in Action
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the joint exercises underscore the deepening military alliance between India and france, a partnership that has thrived since the establishment of their strategic alliance in 1998. Over the years, the two nations have engaged in a series of bilateral exercises, including Shakti on land, Garuda in the air, and Varuna at sea. The French CSG, wich set sail from toulon, France, on November 28, 2024, comprises a formidable fleet, including three frigates, a supply ship, a nuclear attack submarine, and several foreign escort ships.
Joint Operations and Maneuvers
The exercises focused on enhancing interoperability, maritime security, and operational readiness. “these professional interactions are a hallmark of the bilateral strategic relationship and symbolize a high degree of professionalism and interoperability between navies,” stated an Indian Navy spokesperson on social media platform X. Key highlights of the maneuvers included:
- Maneuvers at Sea: The French destroyer and the Indian frigate INS Mormugao executed tactical evolution maneuvers, showcasing seamless coordination.
- Air Operations: India’s sukhoi and Jaguar fighter jets flew alongside the Rafale Marines of the French Navy, conducting anti-aircraft exercises.
- Cross-Deck Operations: Helicopters from both navies performed cross-deck maneuvers, demonstrating extraordinary operational synergy.
- Replenishment at Sea: The French replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier resupplied INS Mormugao, highlighting the logistical capabilities of both forces.
clemenceau 25 Mission and Regional Focus
The clemenceau 25 mission spans the Red Sea,the Indian Ocean,and the Pacific Ocean,reflecting France’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.Following the exercises in India, the french CSG proceeded to the Indonesian arc to participate in Exercise La Perouse, a multilateral maritime drill. An Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, part of the French Navy’s deployed assets, made a logistics stopover in India before heading to Indonesia, further emphasizing the strong operational ties between the two nations.
this collaboration also sets the stage for the 42nd edition of Exercise Varuna, a cornerstone of Indo-French naval cooperation as 1983. The French CSG will return to the Indian Ocean under Mission Clemenceau 25 to deploy its assets alongside Indian forces during this exercise.
The Indo-pacific region has emerged as a critical theater for global trade and security. Both India and France share a vision to maintain stability and ensure freedom of navigation in the region.During the exercises, the Admiral commanding the French CSG and the Commander of the French Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean held discussions with their Indian counterparts on issues such as the Indo-Pacific strategy, bilateral defense cooperation, and the importance of joint operations.
A Mature Strategic Alliance
The strategic alliance between India and France has matured over 27 years, with a strong emphasis on military cooperation. As 2022 alone, French Navy ships have made 16 port calls in india, reinforcing logistical and operational ties. These collaborations extend beyond maritime activities, with Shakti enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities on the ground and Garuda fostering air combat readiness. Together, these exercises represent a thorough, multi-domain approach to security cooperation.
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Exercises | Shakti (land), Garuda (air), Varuna (sea) |
| French CSG Fleet | Charles de Gaulle, 3 frigates, supply ship, nuclear attack submarine |
| Joint Operations | Tactical maneuvers, air exercises, cross-deck operations, replenishment |
| Regional Focus | Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean |
| Upcoming Exercise | 42nd edition of Exercise Varuna |
The ongoing joint exercises with the Charles de Gaulle-led CSG underscore both nations’ commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. With Exercise Varuna scheduled for later this year, Indo-French defense ties are poised to deepen further.
The joint naval exercises between India and France are a testament to their long-standing strategic alliance and shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. By improving interoperability, operational readiness, and mutual trust, these exercises strengthen the foundation for a secure and collaborative future. As the French CSG continues its Clemenceau 25 mission across the Indo-Pacific, the India-France alliance remains a pillar of regional security and cooperation, paving the way for a free, open, and inclusive maritime domain.
In a striking display of maritime prowess and strategic collaboration, the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), spearheaded by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, recently conducted joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy off the coasts of Goa and Kochi. This high-level engagement is part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, a French-led initiative aimed at fostering a free and secure Indo-Pacific region by bolstering naval interoperability and strengthening ties between allied forces. To shed light on the importance of these exercises, we sat down with Dr. Arjun Mehta, a renowned maritime security expert and senior fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies.
Strategic Alliance in Action
Senior Editor: Dr. Mehta, thank you for joining us. The joint exercises between India and France seem to highlight a deepening military alliance. Can you elaborate on the ancient context of this partnership?
Dr. arjun Mehta: Absolutely. The Indo-French strategic alliance dates back to 1998, and it has grown considerably over the years. Both nations share a vision for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific, which is reflected in their bilateral exercises like Shakti on land, garuda in the air, and Varuna at sea. The French CSG, which set sail from Toulon in November 2024, is a testament to this enduring partnership. It includes three frigates, a supply ship, a nuclear attack submarine, and several foreign escort ships, showcasing the depth of this collaboration.
Joint Operations and Maneuvers
Senior Editor: The recent exercises focused on enhancing interoperability and operational readiness. What were some of the key highlights?
Dr. Arjun Mehta: The exercises were multifaceted and highly effective. As an exmaple, the French destroyer and the Indian frigate INS Mormugao executed tactical evolution maneuvers, demonstrating seamless coordination. In the air, India’s Sukhoi and Jaguar fighter jets flew alongside the Rafale Marines of the French Navy, conducting anti-aircraft exercises. additionally, helicopters from both navies performed cross-deck maneuvers, and the French replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier resupplied INS Mormugao, highlighting the logistical capabilities of both forces.
Clemenceau 25 Mission and Regional Focus
Senior Editor: The Clemenceau 25 mission spans the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. How dose this mission align with France’s broader strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific?
dr. Arjun Mehta: The Clemenceau 25 mission is a clear reflection of France’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.By engaging in multilateral exercises like Exercise la Perouse,France is reinforcing its presence and partnerships in the region. The mission also sets the stage for the 42nd edition of Exercise Varuna, a cornerstone of Indo-French naval cooperation since 1983. The French CSG will return to the Indian Ocean under Mission Clemenceau 25 to deploy its assets alongside Indian forces, further solidifying this alliance.
Senior Editor: The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical theater for global trade and security. How do these exercises contribute to regional stability?
Dr. Arjun Mehta: The Indo-Pacific is indeed a vital region,and these exercises play a crucial role in maintaining its stability. By improving interoperability, operational readiness, and mutual trust, India and France are laying the groundwork for a secure and collaborative future. These joint efforts not only enhance the capabilities of both navies but also send a strong message about their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive maritime domain. As the French CSG continues its mission across the Indo-Pacific, the india-France alliance remains a pillar of regional security and cooperation.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the Indo-French naval exercises are more than just military maneuvers—they are a testament to a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
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