In a statement issued here, the Indian Navy’s spokesperson said that over the past two decades, this exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies.
Photo: SNS
India and the United Kingdom commenced Exercise Konkan, a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy, off the western coast of India on Sunday. The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and including assets from Norway and Japan, joined the Indian Navy’s carrier battle group centred on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with other surface, sub-surface, and air combatants.
In a statement issued here, the Indian Navy’s spokesperson said that over the past two decades, this exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies.
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The exercise will be conducted in two phases from October 5 to 12. The harbour phase of the exercise will include professional interactions between naval personnel, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and cultural engagements. Additionally, Joint Working Group meetings and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges are also scheduled.
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The sea phase will encompass complex maritime operational drills, focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, as well as flying operations and other seamanship evolutions. Both participating nations will deploy frontline assets, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral and shore-based air assets.
On the conclusion of Exercise Konkan 2025 with the Indian Navy on 12 October, UK CSG 25 is scheduled to participate in a one-day exercise with the Indian Air Force off the western coast of India on 14 October prior to continuing with her planned deployment.
Exercise Konkan 2025 will serve as a platform to consolidate strategic ties, enhance interoperability, and contribute to regional maritime stability.
In a statement, the British High Commission stated that whilst the exercise has been biennial since 2004, it marks the first time in history that a British and Indian Carrier Strike Group will conduct a maritime exercise together.
Following the completion of the exercise, CSG ships will visit ports in Mumbai and Goa to celebrate enhanced military interactions with India and showcase the best of British trade and industry, and highlight the strong ‘living bridge’ of people and culture between the UK and India.
“The UK and India believe in an Indo-Pacific that is free and open. We share an ambition for a modern defence and security partnership, a fundamental pillar of UK-India Vision 2035, agreed by our Prime Ministers this year. The engagements between the Carrier Strike Groups of our two navies demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order in the region and lay the groundwork for future cooperation,” said Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India.
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