Q1. With reference to Exercise Varuna, consider the following statements:
- Exercise Varuna is a bilateral maritime exercise involving the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- The exercise is conducted exclusively in the Mediterranean Sea because France is a Mediterranean country.
- Cross-deck visits and professional interactions are among the activities associated with the exercise.
- The exercise forms part of the broader maritime and defence cooperation between India and France.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 — Correct: Varuna is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and France.
- Statement 2 — Incorrect: The location of an edition of Varuna does not imply that the exercise is exclusively conducted in the Mediterranean. Its geographical location can vary.
- Statement 3 — Correct: The exercise involves activities such as professional engagements, cross-deck visits and maritime operations, aimed at enhancing interoperability.
- Statement 4 — Correct: Varuna is an important component of broader India–France defence and maritime cooperation, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
