New Delhi, Oct 5 – The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy kicked off Exercise Konkan‑25 off the western coast of India. The two navies are tightening ties and boosting “interoperability” in maritime operations.
Both sides will deploy powerful ships—aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines—and shore‑based air units. The drills are part of India’s plan to keep seas secure, open, and free, a promise emphasized in the “India‑UK Vision 2035” Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Exercise Konkan‑25 has grown over the last 20 years, becoming a key event for building trust and understanding between the two fleets. The current edition runs in two phases.
Phase 1 (Oct 5‑12, harbor): Navy staff meet, share professional knowledge, visit each other’s ships, play sports, and exchange cultural programs. Joint Working Groups and expert exchanges will also take place.
Phase 2 (sea operations): The crews will carry out anti‑air, anti‑surface, and anti‑submarine drills, flight operations, and complex seamanship exercises.
The UK Carrier Strike Group 25, led by HMS Prince of Wales and joined by ships from Norway and Japan, brings extra firepower and shows the depth of partnership. India’s side features its home‑grown aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, alongside a suite of surface, sub‑surface, and air combatants.
After the navy exercise finishes, UK CSG 25 will conduct a one‑day air exercise with the Indian Air Force off India’s coast on Oct 14 before heading out on its next mission.
Exercise Konkan‑25 is more than a drill: it strengthens strategic ties, sharpens joint capabilities, and supports stability across the region’s maritime corridors.
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