One of the major attractions in the exercise is the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The nuclear-powered ship carries 12 naval version Rafale fighters on board.
During a visit to France by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month, India agreed to purchase 36 French Rafales in a deal that could be worth up to 4 billion euros.
The Indian ships deployed for the drill are the Indian navy's aircraft carrier Viraat, fast attack craft, Sea Harriers, along with other ships and aircraft.
The scope of the exercise includes the entire gamut of maritime operations from aircraft carrier operations, anti submarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations to multi-ship replenishment exercise.
And the focus of the exercise will be theatre-level cooperation in aero-naval and anti-submarine warfare.
Relations between India and France have traditionally been close and friendly. With the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998, there has been significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and exchanges including naval exercises.
The Indian Navy and the French Navy have been conducting joint exercises since 1983.
Following the establishment of a strategic partnership, these exercises were christened 'Varuna' in 2001. The 10-day exercise will continue till May 3.
CRI's Indian correspondent Sun Yang reporting.
