"Brillant" served in Suffren's campaign in the Indian Ocean, taking part in the Battle of Cuddalore. She was the main unit of the French force that drove away Commodore Vernon's squadron at the Siege of Pondicherry on 10 August 1779, and distinguished herself at the Battle of Sadras. She was present at the battles of Negapatam under Captain Armand de Saint-Félix.