Naval Cooperation

Throughout 2023, the Indian Navy conducted a series of exercises showcasing its capabilities and strengthening its partnerships with other nations. These exercises focused on enhancing maritime security, interoperability and disaster response capabilities.

Exercise TROPEX

Exercise TROPEX

The Indian Navy conducted its major operational-level exercise, TROPEX-23, over four months from November 2022 to March 2023, culminating in the Arabian Sea. The exercise involved approximately 70 ships, six submarines and over 75 aircraft, and encompassed various sub-exercises, including coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil and amphibious exercise AMPHEX. TROPEX-23 showcased the Indian Navy's operational preparedness and material readiness, demonstrating its ability to safeguard India's national interests in the maritime domain.

Exercise Varuna

In January 2023, the Indian Navy and the French Navy conducted the 21^st edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, Exercise Varuna, a testament to the strong ties between the two navies. The exercise, held in two phases, showcased the navies' capabilities in various maritime operations.

Phase I conducted off India's Western seaboard from January 16 to 20 focused on anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and air defence exercises. The participating ships and aircraft engaged in a series of drills to enhance their ability to detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats, defend against surface attacks and intercept aerial adversaries.

Phase II, held in the Arabian Sea from March 27 to 31, involved joint operations, underway replenishment, and various tactical manoeuvres. The navies demonstrated their ability to work together seamlessly, conducting complex manoeuvres and executing coordinated strikes. The exercise concluded with a farewell ceremony, reaffirming the commitment of both navies to maritime security and cooperation.

Exercise La Perouse

The Indian Navy participated in the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse, held on March 13 and 14 2023. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime domain awareness and optimize maritime coordination among the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Naval ships INS Sahyadri and INS Jyoti joined ships from the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence For