FS Chevalier Paul, a French frigate of the Horizon class, has left India after participating in a 12-day engagement with the Indian Navy, officials said on Wednesday. In addition to port calls in Mumbai and Kochi, the warship participated in a maritime partnership exercise with the Indian Naval Ship Kolkata in the Arabian Sea.
Vivek Madhwal, a spokesperson for the Indian Navy, said that the exercise also involved a maritime patrol aircraft and MiG 29K fighter aircraft.
“Advanced coordinated anti-submarine warfare exercises, surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and cross deck flying operations were undertaken during the exercise,” the official said.
“These interactions further underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rule-based international order,” he further added.
