The Indian Navy is taking part in a significant naval wargame alongside forces from eight other nations, including the US and France, amid escalating geopolitical tensions and China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The 'La Perouse' exercise is being conducted in the vital straits connecting the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, including Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok, which are key routes for global maritime trade.

The nine-day drill, which started on January 16, focuses on strengthening cooperation among the participating countries in maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, air operations, and information sharing.

The French Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, is the exercise's cornerstone.

India's guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai, which was indigenously designed and built, is also part of the wargame, as confirmed by the Indian Navy. In addition to India, the US and France and naval forces from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, and the UK are also participating in the exercise.

"The exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for enhanced tactical interoperability," the Indian Navy conveyed on Saturday.

"The exercise will witness complex and advanced multi-domain exercises including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air-defence, cross deck landings and tactical manoeuvres, as also the constabulary missions such as VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations," Indian Navy declared in a statement.

The Indian Navy's involvement in the exercise highlights the strong synergy, coordination, and interoperability among the participating navies, reflecting their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order in the maritime domain.

The Australian Navy deployed its frontline destroyer, HMAS Hobart, while its warship, HMCS Ottawa, represented Canada.

The United States has sent its combat ship, USS Savannah, while Malaysia has dispatched the destroyer FFG Lekir, its helicopter, and the vessel Gagah Samudera.

The United Kingdom is participating with its offshore patrol vessel, HMS Spey, and Singapore’s RSN Independence patrol vessel joined the exercises.

"Strengthening maritime safety will be at the core of this exercise, with the development of interoperability and the ability to act collectively in the event of a maritime crisis, which will contribute to it," a French statement mentioned.

It said that planned interactions during the exercise are designed to enhance cooperation across a wide range of maritime security operations.

"The various forces distributed in the area will train to search for and then intervene on ships suspected of illicit activities, with suspect vessels being played by vessels of the force," it further said.