UK Carrier Strike Group Leaves India After Successful Exercise Konkan, Strengthening Indo-Pacific Ties
The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, departed India following the successful completion of Exercise Konkan 2025, marking a significant milestone in bilateral naval cooperation. Conducted off the western coast of India from October 5 to 12, Exercise Konkan was characterized by extensive maritime operational drills, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, along with a harbor phase that fostered personnel interactions and cultural exchanges. The Indian Navy showcased its indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, while the exercise also featured participation from allied assets from Norway and Japan, reinforcing the strategic partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035. Following the naval exercise, the Indian Air Force engaged in a high-intensity joint exercise with the CSG, where IAF aircraft, including Sukhoi-30 MKIs and Jaguars, operated alongside Royal Navy F-35B jets. This series of exercises underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance interoperability and mutual trust, which are vital for regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The collaborative efforts further solidify India’s role as a key partner in ensuring maritime security, reflecting the growing synergy between India and the UK amidst rising geopolitical complexities.