Charles de Gaulle and Amerigo Vespucci: European Naval Power in Indian Waters

The impending visit of France’s most formidable naval asset, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (CDG), alongside three other French warships, signals a continued Western strategic focus on the Indo-Pacifi The c region. This pivot, which began with the United States several years ago, underscores the region's growing geopolitical importance. Accompanying this maritime show of strength is the arrival of an Italian junior defense minister, reflecting the broader engagement of European powers in this theater.

The Charles de Gaulle, a 42,500-ton carrier, is expected to arrive in Indian waters mid-next month for a 3-4 day visit. This marks a return for the CDG, the world’s only nuclear-powered carrier outside the U.S. fleet, which has previously visited India. During its stay, the French battle group is likely to participate in joint exercises with the Indian Navy, potentially involving one of India’s two aircraft carriers—INS Vikrant or INS Vikramaditya—alongside other warships. Notably, the CDG carries the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet, a platform already operational in the Indian Air Force. The Indian Navy has also ordered this variant, in addition to additional French-made Scorpene submarines, highlighting the deepening Indo-French defense collaboration.

The timing of this visit is significant. Despite the prolonged and unresolved Russia-Ukraine war, which has persisted for over 1,000 days, concerns over Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific remain central to Western strategic calculations. This includes Beijing’s policies in the South and East China Seas and its growing military posture around Taiwan. The United States, with its regional allies Japan, South Korea, and Australia, continues to maintain a robust presence, and France’s engagement reflects a parallel commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

Italy’s growing involvement further highlights this trend. The visit of an Italian junior defense minister, accompanied by the naval training ship Amerigo Vespucci, demonstrates strengthening Indo-Italian defense ties. Significantly, India recently lifted its ban on Leonardo, the Italian defense conglomerate linked to Westland, amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in helicopter procurement. This decision indicates a mutual desire to advance collaboration in critical areas of national security.

This deepening partnership is also shaped by regular bilateral engagements between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni. Together, these developments underscore a broader realignment in which European powers are increasingly aligning their strategic priorities with those of the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing their presence and partnerships amid rising challenges.