What’s in the news?

• The 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France – Exercise Varuna commenced recently. 
• While the bilateral exercise between the two navies were initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
• The exercise will witness advanced air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment and other maritime operations. 
• Units of both navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre, enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1891610