Focus: GS III: Security Challenegs
Why in News?
Recently, Indian Naval ships INS Rana and INS Sumedha undertook a Maritime Partnership Exercise with French Navy ship FS Surcouf in the Bay of Bengal.
India-France Maritime Partnership Exercise:
- The India-France Maritime Partnership Exercise is a joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- The Indian Navy participated with INS Rana, a guided missile destroyer, and INS Sumedha, an indigenously built offshore patrol vessel.
- The French Navy was represented by the La Fayette class frigate Surcouf.
- The exercise took place in the Bay of Bengal.
- The activities during the exercise included tactical manoeuvres, replenishment at sea approaches, air defense against fighter aircraft, and cross-deck helicopter operations.
- This maritime partnership exercise highlights the strong navy-to-navy links, interoperability, and bonds between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- In addition to the maritime partnership exercise, India and France also conduct other joint military exercises such as VARUNA for naval exercises, FRINJEX for military exercises, and GARUDA for air force exercises.
