NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Trishul took part in the 24th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Varuna in France from September 22 to 28, a senior official said on Thursday.
The annual exercise sought to strengthen maritime ties, operational coordination and professional exchanges between the Indian and French navies.
“The visit of INS Trishul to Toulon in France reaffirms the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and France and the commitment of both navies to strengthening maritime engagement, interoperability and professional exchanges,” the defence ministry said.
The frigate received a ceremonial water cannon salute from the French Navy on its arrival on September 22.
The harbour phase included professional, sporting and cultural engagements. INS Trishul’s commanding officer met Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and other senior French Navy officers, the ministry said.
The commanding officer, other officers and crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille in remembrance of 205 Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars.
Cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational experience sought to improve interoperability. INS Trishul also hosted a cultural interaction attended by retired Vice Admiral Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers and civil dignitaries. Personnel from the two navies played a friendly volleyball match.
The ship’s crew visited the French naval vessels Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette to learn about carrier operations, aviation facilities and practices followed on board.
During the sea phase, INS Trishul exercised with the French vessels Forbin, La Fayette and 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, enhanced operational coordination, interoperability and synergy between the two navies,” the ministry said.
Commissioned in June 2003, INS Trishul is the second Talwar-class stealth frigate. It displaces 4,000 tonnes, is 125 metres long and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots.
The ship can operate Kamov 31 airborne early warning, Kamov 28 anti-submarine warfare and Chetak helicopters. Its roles include coastal and offshore patrolling, monitoring sea lines of communication, maritime diplomacy, counter-terrorism and anti-piracy operations, the Navy had said.
Named after Lord Shiva’s trident, the ship’s crest depicts an arm rising from the sea and holding a trident against a red background.
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