In a groundbreaking naval collaboration, the Indian and British carrier strike groups joined forces for the first time during Exercise Konkan 2025, as announced by the UK Defence Advisor in India on Tuesday. This landmark event marks a significant step in strengthening maritime ties between the two nations.

Shared via social media, the UK Defence Advisor highlighted that the exercise is designed to boost combined maritime and air capabilities of both navies in international waters. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group, spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales, kicked off the drills with the Indian Navy, with plans for the fleet to visit Mumbai and Goa post-exercise.

The Indian Navy echoed this sentiment, stating that Exercise Konkan 2025 reaffirms their joint dedication to securing open seas, strengthening strategic alliances, and promoting regional maritime stability. It also reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035.

Running from October 5 to 12 off India’s western coast, the bilateral Konkan-25 exercise has evolved over two decades into a sophisticated platform for enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding. The event is structured in two phases: a harbor phase featuring professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports, and cultural activities, and a sea phase involving advanced drills like anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations, along with flying exercises.

This year’s edition gains extra prominence with the participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group, including assets from Norway and Japan, while India showcases its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant alongside other combat vessels and air assets.