INS Trishul takes part in the 24th edition of the India-France maritime exercise Varuna at Toulon

1 October 2026

The Ministry of Defence announced in a release on 1 October 2026 that Indian Naval Ship Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 Sep 2026 to take part in the 24th edition of Exercise 'Varuna'. Varuna is the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. The harbour phase comprised professional, sporting and cultural engagements, and the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on RAdm Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED). The Commanding Officer, officers and crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial, Marseille, in remembrance of 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars. The crew also visited the French Navy ships Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette. During the Sea Phase, INS Trishul exercised alongside French Navy units including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and SNA Suffren, as well as NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Anti-submarine, anti-surface and live-firing exercises along with cross-deck helicopter landing serials were carried out.