Indian Naval Ship Trishul arrived at Toulon, France on September 22, 2026, to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy. The ship received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival. The harbor phase included professional, sporting, and cultural engagements aimed at strengthening maritime ties, with the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul meeting with RAdm Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED). Personnel paid respects at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille, honoring 205 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the World Wars.
Professional activities included cross-deck visits and operational experience exchanges to enhance interoperability. INS Trishul hosted a cultural interaction attended by VAdm (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers, and civil dignitaries. A friendly volleyball match fostered camaraderie between personnel. The ship's crew visited French Navy vessels Charles de Gaulle, Forbin, and La Fayette to gain insights into carrier operations and aviation practices.
During the sea phase, INS Trishul conducted exercises with French Navy units including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette, SNA Suffren, NH90 helicopters, and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The exercises encompassed anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live-firing drills, and cross-deck helicopter landing operations. These activities significantly enhanced operational coordination, interoperability, and synergy between the two navies. The visit reaffirmed the strong maritime partnership between India and France and demonstrated both navies' commitment to strengthening maritime engagement and professional exchanges.
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