The Indian Navy and the UK Royal Navy have embarked on their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise, Konkan-25, led by India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales, in the western Indian Ocean. This week-long drill emphasizes enhancing maritime capabilities and operational synergy between the two nations, coinciding with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India. The exercise encompasses maritime operational drills and professional interactions, reflecting a deepening strategic alignment to ensure a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. It highlights India’s growing role as a regional security partner and aligns with the India-UK Vision 2035, which aims to bolster defense cooperation and address emerging maritime security challenges.