New Delhi: The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, have commenced Exercise Konkan in the Western Indian Ocean, marking a significant step in bilateral maritime cooperation.
This edition of Exercise Konkan, held biennially since 2004, is historic as it is the first time both Indian and British Carrier Strike Groups are participating together in a joint naval drill. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is currently on an eight-month global deployment named Operation Highmast.
The British CSG, comprising HMS Prince of Wales—the UK’s largest ever warship—alongside HMS Dauntless (Type 45 Destroyer), HMS Richmond (Type 23 Frigate), Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships, and allied vessels, is operating with F-35B Lightning aircraft, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. On the Indian side, the CSG is led by INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier.
The four-day exercise involves complex air, surface, and sub-surface operations, including the participation of submarines and aircraft from both navies. These operations aim to enhance interoperability and strengthen joint maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Following the exercise, the UK ships will make port calls in Mumbai and Goa, underscoring the growing military and trade relationship between the two nations. These visits will also celebrate the cultural and people-to-people ties that form the “living bridge” between the UK and India.
Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Vision
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, reaffirmed the joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, citing the UK-India Vision 2035, endorsed by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer earlier this year.
“These engagements between our Carrier Strike Groups showcase our shared ambition for a modern defence partnership and a commitment to the rules-based international order,” she said.
Commodore Chris Saunders MBE, Defence Adviser at the British High Commission, noted that the UK and India are among the few nations operating aircraft carriers, making this exercise a unique opportunity to enhance multi-domain operational capabilities.
“Exercise Konkan demonstrates how two blue-water navies can share best practices and expand interoperability,” he said, adding that the UK proudly co-leads the Maritime Security Pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, expressed enthusiasm over working again with the Indian Navy, stating: “We’re committed to strengthening our joint defence capabilities and supporting a stable, rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.”
Future Engagements Ahead
After completing port visits, the UK CSG will also participate in an aerial defence exercise with the Indian Air Force, allowing both forces to test tactics and exchange operational insights.
Earlier in June, the UK CSG took part in a Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX) with the Indian Navy, involving INS Tabar, a P-8I Neptune aircraft, and an Indian submarine.
The growing tempo of joint exercises between the two nations highlights their deepening strategic relationship. In 2021, the two countries also conducted Konkan Shakti, their first and largest tri-service military exercise, involving the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth-led Carrier Strike Group.
The UK government emphasized that its increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific is central to its security, economic growth, and clean energy goals, with Operation Highmast reflecting the UK’s sustained commitment to the region.
