The French carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier FNS Charles De Gaulle, is visiting Goa and Kochi as part of Mission Clemenceau 25. This group includes an air fleet and escort vessels like frigates and supply ships. Currently in the Indian Ocean, they are conducting joint training with regional partners, including India, before heading to Indonesia for Exercise La Perouse and the Pacific Ocean for Exercise Pacific Steller.
India and France have been strategic partners since 1998, engaging in numerous military exercises such as Shakti, Varuna, and Garuda. The French Navy has made 16 port calls in India since 2022. During Mission Clemenceau 25, the Charles de Gaulle group will participate in the 42nd Varuna exercise with the Indian Navy to enhance interoperability and prepare for multi-threat environments.
Both nations, as Indian Ocean residents, work together to ensure maritime safety. France is part of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), initiated by India, to address issues like illegal trafficking and pollution. France held the IONS presidency from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, France is involved in missions like the European ATALANTA operation against piracy and the Combined Task Force 150 to combat illicit trafficking.
FNS Charles De Gaulle is a big ship from France that carries airplanes. It's like a floating airport that helps in military missions.
Goa and Kochi are places in India. Goa is known for its beaches, and Kochi is a city in Kerala famous for its port and spices.
Mission Clemenceau 25 is a special trip by the French navy to work with other countries, including India, to practice and improve their skills together.
Strategic partners are countries that work closely together on important things like defense and security. India and France have been doing this since 1998.
The Varuna exercise is a practice session where the navies of India and France work together to learn and improve their skills at sea.
Maritime safety means keeping the seas safe from dangers like pirates and illegal activities. France helps with this in the Indian Ocean.
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