India and France recently conducted a maritime partnership exercise in the Arabian Sea, showcasing their robust military cooperation and commitment to regional stability
The exercise featured the Indian Navy’s indigenously built stealth guided-missile destroyer, INS Mormugao, alongside French Navy vessels from the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CSG). Aircraft from the Indian Air Force also participated in the exercise.

The exercise involved complex maritime maneuvers, including joint air operations, and coordinated tactical engagements, reflecting the growing interoperability and mutual trust between the Indian and French armed forces.

Since 1998, India and France have enjoyed a strategic partnership, with military cooperation forming a cornerstone of their relationship. The bilateral military engagements include exercises across all domains—Varuna at sea, Shakti on land, and Garuda in the air.

The recent exercise marks another chapter in their enduring maritime collaboration. The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed in the Indian Ocean, is engaged in joint training operations with regional allies, including India. Following this engagement, the CSG is set to participate in the La Perouse exercise in Indonesia and the Pacific Stellar exercise in the Pacific Ocean.

Operational highlights

The maritime exercise demonstrated the operational readiness and professionalism of both navies. It featured:

INS Mormugao: A stealth guided-missile destroyer showcasing indigenous Indian naval engineering.

Advanced Tactical Maneuvers: Joint air and sea operations reflecting seamless coordination.

Information Sharing: Real-time communication and intelligence exchange to strengthen situational awareness.

Such exercises are vital for enhancing undersea, surface, and aerial capabilities, particularly in the light of increasing strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Indo-French maritime dialogue

The maritime partnership exercise comes ahead of the Indo-French Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, scheduled to begin on January 13 in New Delhi. This high-level dialogue will address critical issues, including joint patrolling, intelligence sharing, and collaborative efforts to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean.

France, with its strategic base in Reunion Island, plays a key role in the region. The dialogue will also discuss the scope of future exercises, including Varuna, and analyze developments in the IOR, particularly concerning the increasing presence of Chinese vessels, including submarines and so-called "scientific" spy ships.

Focus on regional security

The exercise highlights the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean as a strategic theater. China’s growing naval presence, including its support for Pakistan and involvement in Myanmar and Bangladesh, has prompted regional powers to enhance their maritime capabilities and partnerships.

India and France share strong intelligence-sharing arrangements, enabling them to effectively counter threats in the region. Their collaboration also extends to broader Indo-Pacific strategies, where both nations aim to uphold international norms and maintain the balance of power.

The upcoming Exercise Varuna and other bilateral initiatives will further deepen the partnership between the two navies. The collaboration also involves joint operations using advanced platforms, such as the Rafale fighter jets, which are already part of the Indian Air Force and will soon be inducted into the Indian Navy.

The Indo-French partnership is a testament to their shared commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. Their focus on safeguarding maritime trade routes, deterring piracy, and maintaining regional stability aligns with the broader objectives of the Quad and other multilateral frameworks.

India’s strategic engagement with France also complements its growing partnerships with other regional players, including the UK, whose carrier strike group is expected to enter the Indian Ocean later this year.

Conclusion

The maritime partnership exercise between India and France is a clear demonstration of their enduring strategic cooperation and shared commitment to regional stability. By conducting advanced joint operations and strengthening interoperability, the two nations continue to set an example of effective defense collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

As India and France prepare for the upcoming maritime dialogue and future joint exercises, their partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific, ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity for the region.