India, March 18 -- The Indian and French navies will on Wednesday kick off the joint naval exercise, Varuna, in the Arabian Sea, with the drills featuring several platforms from both sides including aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy said on Tuesday.

"The joint participation of the aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, highlights the collaborative strength of both navies," a naval statement said on the eve of the exercise.

This will be the 23rd edition of the bilateral exercise that has grown in complexity and scope over the years. It was first held in 2001 and reflects the growing maritime partnership between the two countries.

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