Indian Navy Frigate INS Trishul Reaches Toulon, France for 24th Edition of Bilateral Exercise VARUNA

Key facts

• Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on September 22, 2026, to participate in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise VARUNA between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
• The VARUNA exercise includes professional engagements in harbour and at sea, such as cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting activities, aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
• Before arriving in France, INS Trishul completed a three-day port call at Alexandria, Egypt, which concluded on September 17, after arriving there on September 14 and being escorted into harbour by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer.
• Prior to entering Alexandria, INS Trishul conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Naval Ship ENS Bernees, involving coordinated manoeuvring, communication drills and approaches for replenishment at sea.
• During the Alexandria port call, India's Ambassador to Egypt Suresh K Reddy visited INS Trishul, and the crew paid homage at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and the names of 19 Indian soldiers who died in ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean during the two World Wars.