In continuation of the Indian Navy's overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and West Coast of Africa, three Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya, arrived at Toulon for a three day visit today. <br/><br/>The ships were warmly received by the Administration in Toulon and the French Navy at Toulon Naval Base in coordination with the Embassy of India. <br/><br/>The visiting ships are a part of the Indian Navy's Western Naval Command and the Task Group is headed by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, who is flying his flag on the guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai. <br/><br/>On completion of the visit at Toulon, bilateral exercise Varuna between the Indian Navy and the French Navy is scheduled from 24 to 30 Apr 17. <br/><br/>The VARUNA series of exercises began in 2000 and have grown into an institutionalised form of interaction between the two navies. <br/><br/>The last VARUNA exercise was held off the Indian coast. The IN warships will engage with the French Navy during their stay in the country and a number of professional interactions including the bilateral exercise VARUNA, sports and social engagements are planned.<br/>