The Indian Navy and Royal Navy commenced the four-day Exercise Konkan-25 in the Western Indian Ocean, marking the first joint exercise The drill aims to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security.
Exercise Konkan
- First Held: 2004, traditionally a biennial India-UK naval drill.
- Duration: 4 days.
- Participants: Indian Navy and U.K. Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
- Significance of 2025 Edition:
- First-ever exercise involving aircraft carriers of both nations, involving India’s INS Vikrant and the U.K.’s HMS Prince of Wales.
- Part of U.K.’s Operation Highmast, an 8-month global deployment.
Key Objectives
- Strengthen maritime and air operational capabilities.
- Conduct multi-domain exercises including:
- Anti-submarine warfare.
- Cross-deck flying operations.
- Air defence drills.
- Test tactics and interoperability between Indian and U.K. forces.
Strategic Importance
- Reinforces India-U.K. defence ties under Vision 2035.
- Promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Enhances regional security, stability, and rules-based order.
- Port visits to Mumbai and Goa also strengthen trade, industry, and cultural ties.
Follow-Up Exercises
- Post maritime drills, the U.K. CSG will conduct aerial defence exercises with the Indian Air Force.
- 12 other nations support Operation Highmast, highlighting multinational cooperation.
Conclusion
Exercise Konkan-25 is a key example of India-U.K. defence collaboration, enhancing operational readiness, strategic partnership, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
