Indian Navy Deepens Maritime Partnerships from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea

The Indian Navy has marked a busy end to September 2026 with two major bilateral and multilateral engagements on opposite sides of the world: Exercise Varuna with France in the Mediterranean and the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) in the Philippines. Together, they reflect the Navy’s expanding footprint and its growing network of maritime partnerships.

Varuna with France

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on September 22, 2026, to take part in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. The ship was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute.

During the harbour phase, the Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and interacted with senior French Navy leadership. The ship’s company laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille in remembrance of the 205 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the World Wars, a reminder of the shared history between the two countries.

Professional engagements included cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational experience. Crew members visited the French ships Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette, gaining insights into carrier operations and aviation facilities. INS Trishul also hosted a cultural interaction onboard, attended by Vice Admiral (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers and civil dignitaries, and a friendly volleyball match built further camaraderie.

In the sea phase, INS Trishul exercised alongside Forbin, La Fayette and the nuclear attack submarine Suffren, as well as NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Anti-submarine, anti-surface and live-firing drills, along with cross-deck helicopter landing serials, enhanced coordination and interoperability.

AIME-2026 in the Philippines

Almost a week later, on September 28, 2026, the second edition of AIME-2026 commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish representing India alongside maritime forces from ASEAN Member States. Held under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”, the exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability.

Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, was Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony and addressed the participating forces.

The harbour phase will include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sporting and cultural activities, community engagement and operational synchronisation, followed by a Pre-Sail Brief. The sea phase will then see the forces undertake coordinated maritime exercises and operational serials, building professional understanding and coordination through practical training at sea.

A Global Maritime Outreach

The two engagements show the breadth of the Indian Navy’s international outreach: a long-standing strategic partnership with a major European naval power, and a multilateral platform with Southeast Asian neighbours. AIME-2026 is being conducted in furtherance of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR, while Varuna reaffirms the enduring India-France maritime partnership.

Across both exercises, the common thread is the same: building trust, sharing operational experience and strengthening interoperability with friendly navies, whether in the Mediterranean or the Indo-Pacific.