India & France kick off high-voltage Varuna naval exercise in Arabian Sea

India and France on Monday kicked off their high-voltage `Varuna' naval combat exercise in the Arabian Sea, reinforcing that maritime security cooperation has emerged as a major pillar of their bilateral strategic partnership. France has deployed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique for the five-day wargames.