Kuwait city: Indian and UK's Royal Navy commenced bilateral Exercise KONKAN-25 on Sunday off the western coast of India. The Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement that this exercise, launched in 2004 for the first time, has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the exercise will begin with the harbour phase, which will include professional interactions between naval personnel, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and cultural engagements. Following this, the sea phase will encompass complex maritime operational drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, flying operations, and other seamanship evolutions.
Both participating nations will deploy aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral and shore-based air assets. The participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has added sheen to this year's edition of the exercise. The Indian side will be represented by the carrier battle group of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in company with other surface, sub-surface, and air combatants.
The exercise is seen as a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to ensuring secure, open, and free seas and will exemplify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in 'India-UK Vision 2035'. Exercise KONKAN-25, which will last until October 12, will serve as a platform to consolidate strategic ties, enhance interoperability, and contribute to regional maritime stability.