Indian Naval Ship Trishul participated in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy, from September 22, 2026, in Toulon, France. The ship received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival. The harbor phase included professional, sporting, and cultural engagements aimed at strengthening maritime ties and professional bonds between the two navies. The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on RAdm Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and interacted with senior French Navy leadership. 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, and the crew visited French Navy ships Charles de Gaulle, Forbin, and La Fayette to learn about carrier operations and aviation practices. The sea phase involved exercises with French Navy units FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette, and SNA Suffren, along with NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Activities included anti-submarine, anti-surface, and live-firing exercises, plus cross-deck helicopter landing serials to improve operational coordination and synergy. The visit reinforced the strong maritime partnership between India and France and their commitment to enhanced naval engagement and professional exchanges.
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