The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy commenced Exercise KONKAN-2025 on October 5, 2025, off the western coast of India, emphasizing the growing military ties between the two nations. This bilateral exercise, which has evolved over two decades in scale and complexity, aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations. The exercise is divided into two phases, featuring a harbor phase with professional interactions and cultural engagements, followed by a sea phase focusing on complex maritime operational drills, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group, led by the HMS Prince of Wales, along with assets from Norway and Japan, is participating alongside India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, demonstrating a unified commitment to maintaining secure, open, and free seas in the Indo-Pacific region. The engagement signifies a reaffirmation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035, aimed at solidifying defense collaboration and regional maritime stability. The participation of both nations reflects their shared ambition for a modern defense partnership, highlighting their status as blue-water, multi-carrier navies capable of conducting complex multi-domain operations. This collaboration not only strengthens military capabilities but also reinforces a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific, marking a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation and joint operational readiness between India and the UK.