India and UK Navies Begin 'Konkan' Exercise in Western Indian Ocean

On Sunday, India and the United Kingdom initiated their significant bilateral naval exercise 'Konkan' in the western Indian Ocean. This high-intensity maritime drill features aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, and fighter jets.

Leading the Indian Navy contingent is the indigenously developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets. The UK Carrier Strike Group, spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales, has deployed F-35B multirole stealth jets. The exercise also includes contributions from Norway and Japan, highlighting broader multilateral involvement.

This year's exercise bears strategic importance as it precedes the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India on October 8-9, where defense cooperation will be a central topic.

“The UK and India believe in an Indo-Pacific that is free and open. We share an ambition for a modern defence and security partnership, a fundamental pillar of UK-India Vision 2035,” stated British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron.

She further mentioned that the collaboration between the two carrier strike groups highlights their shared dedication to upholding a rules-based international order and sets the stage for more profound cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy spokesperson Captain Vivek Madhwal remarked that Exercise Konkan will act as a platform to strengthen strategic ties, enhance interoperability, and contribute to maritime stability in the region. He emphasized that the exercise reaffirms both nations' commitment to ensuring secure, open, and free seas.

The biennial exercise encompasses complex maritime operations focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, alongside flying operations and seamanship drills. Additionally, the UK Carrier Strike Group will engage in a one-day aerial defense exercise with the Indian Air Force on October 14, featuring Sukhoi-30MKI and Jaguar fighters off India's western coast.

Over the past 20 years, the Konkan series has expanded in scale and complexity, reflecting the evolving partnership between the two navies.

Currently, the UK Carrier Strike Group is on an eight-month multinational deployment named Operation Highmast, which involves a series of joint exercises with partners and allies throughout the Indo-Pacific. Following the Konkan exercise, the UK warships are scheduled to make port visits in Mumbai and Goa.