April 26, 2021
Is the UAE part of the Varuna Naval Drills 2021? As India and France commence their annual joint naval exercise, the 19th in the series, in the western Arabian Sea, there is a lack of clarity over the participation of the Gulf nation.
The significance of this exercise lies in the fact that for the first time French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel, is taking part in the India-France Varuna naval war drills.
However, the two countries seem to have totally underplayed the much-publicized participation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the three-day event that will conclude on April 27.
Even as India and France strengthen ties, Paris has agreed to join New Delhi's Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019.
Even as India and France strengthen ties, Paris has agreed to join New Delhi's Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019.
The development comes even as French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is on an India visit. Earlier in the day, he met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He will also be going to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru.