Expressing gratitude towards India for rescuing several French nationals from war-ravaged Yemen as part of 'Operation Rahat', a senior French Navy officer today stressed the need for holding bilateral exercises.
"Some of your (Indian) ships conducted evacuation of French nationals from Yemen. We have been very grateful for the support provided by the Indian Navy during such occasion," Rear Adm Eric Chaperon, commander of Task Force 473 told reporters here today.
Task Force 473 representing the French side is a part of the ongoing bilateral naval exercises 'Varuna', which begun off-Goa coast from April 23 and will culminate on May 2.
Two Indian ships -- INS Mumbai and INS Tarkash-- which are currently part of Indian fleet for the exercises had participated in evacuation of civilians from Yemen recently.
India evacuated over 3,000 people including over 1,200 foreign nationals during the risky operation.
Chaperon attributed the success of 'Operation Rahat' to naval exercises like 'Varuna'.
"This (successful evacuation) has been a result of exercise...There has been so many exchanges between our ships," he said.
By developing understanding and cooperation between ships, we facilitate their cooperation for any kind of mission.
"The level of cooperation that we draw here is useful in any place, where armed ships are asked to move," he added.
He said such operations have to be executed in limited time frame and there is a necessity to exchange information and
help.
"What we are doing here is an exercise of cooperation," the French naval officer said.
Rear Admiral R Hari Kumar, flag officer commanding western region said Indian Navy was also in touch with French counterpart during the evacuation in Yemen.
"A common strategy was developed between both the forces that helped the mission. When you practise during the exercise you arrive at common procedures and methods of how one ship can help another in a joint mission," he commented.
