Panaji (Goa) [India], October 7 (ANI): The Indian and British carrier strike groups linked up for the first time in history during the 2025 edition of Exercise Konkan, the UK Defence Advisor in India announced on Tuesday. In a post on X, the advisor noted that the exercise aims to enhance the combined maritime and air capabilities of the UK and Indian navies on the high seas.
“A historic first! With the UK and Indian carrier strike groups linking up. Exercise Konkan is aimed at increasing combined maritime and air capabilities between the UK and Indian navies on the high seas,” the post read.
The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, commenced Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy. According to the UK Embassy’s Defence Adviser in India, the fleet will visit Mumbai and Goa following the exercise.
The Indian Navy stated in a post on X, “Exercise Konkan 2025 is a reaffirmation of the shared commitment towards ensuring secure, open, and free seas, consolidating strategic ties and contributing to regional maritime stability. It will reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under India-UK Vision 2035.”
The India-UK bilateral Exercise Konkan-25 began on October 5 off the western coast of India. Over the past two decades, the exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases, from October 5 to 12. The harbor phase includes professional interactions between naval personnel, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and cultural engagements. Joint Working Group meetings and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges are also scheduled.
The sea phase will feature complex maritime operational drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, flying operations, and other seamanship evolutions. Both nations will deploy frontline assets, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and air assets from both integral and shore-based platforms.
Participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25), led by HMS Prince of Wales and including assets from Norway and Japan, has added further significance to this year’s edition. The Indian contingent is represented by the carrier battle group of INS Vikrant, accompanied by other surface, sub-surface, and air combatants. (ANI)
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