Sun Apr 06 06:24:38 UTC 2025: ## India’s Naval Power Takes Center Stage: Joint Exercises Highlight Growing Carrier Capabilities
**GOA, INDIA – April 6, 2025** – India’s growing naval power was showcased this week during joint exercises with France, highlighting a global resurgence in aircraft carrier deployment, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Navy, operating two carriers – the INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant – conducted “twin carrier operations” in March 2024, demonstrating their ability to launch and recover fighter jets simultaneously.
This capability was further underscored during Exercise Varuna (March 19-22, 2025), where the INS Vikrant conducted joint drills with the French Navy’s nuclear-powered carrier, Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The exercise, taking place in the Arabian Sea, involved the deployment of India’s MiG-29K fighter jets and the French Rafale-M jets. India is poised to finalize a deal for 26 Rafale jets, further enhancing its carrier capabilities.
The renewed global interest in aircraft carriers comes despite advancements in long-range missiles and drones. China, having commissioned its first carrier in 2012, is now building a fourth, likely a nuclear-powered supercarrier. The United States continues to maintain dominance with its nuclear-powered supercarriers. India’s participation in these exercises, and its investment in indigenous carrier development, underlines its strategic ambitions in the region. The successful collaboration with France further solidifies India’s position as a significant naval power in the Indo-Pacific.
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