Exercise Konkan 2025 Marks Major Milestone in UK–India Naval Cooperation

The 2025 Exercise Konkan marked milestone in naval cooperation between the United Kingdom and India. For the first time, the carrier strike groups of both nations operated together in a complex maritime environment. This joint exercise demonstrated enhanced interoperability between two of the world’s prominent Blue Water Carrier navies. It also telld their shared commitment to a rules-based international order and a free Indo-Pacific.

Background and Strategic Importance

Exercise Konkan is a biennial maritime drill focused on strengthening naval and air capabilities between India and the UK. The 2025 edition took place in the strategically vital Konkan region along India’s western coast. The exercise was part of the UK’s broader Operation Highmast deployment to the Indo-Pacific, which aims to showcase full carrier strike and research capabilities.

Carrier Strike Group Integration

The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales led their respective carrier strike groups. Their joint operations involved air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and coordinated maritime patrols. This marked the first time two carrier strike groups from these nations operated in tandem, reflecting seamless integration due to shared naval traditions and procedures.

Operational Highlights and Capabilities

Key activities included air defence drills and anti-submarine warfare exercises using ships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft. The exercise also featured complex communication and coordination efforts, which were smooth owing to a common language and decades of partnership. The show was a combined formation photograph of both aircraft carriers with their escort vessels, symbolising strong bilateral ties.

Geopolitical and Defence Significance

Exercise Konkan reflected the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, aligning with India’s strategic interests. The UK’s deployment emphasised the interconnectedness of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security environments. It also demonstrated NATO’s flexible approach to global partnerships beyond its traditional areas.

Future Collaboration and Multidomain Operations

The exercise set the stage for upcoming joint drills involving the Indian Air Force, expanding cooperation beyond maritime domains. The success of Konkan 2025 marks the growing importance of multilateral naval partnerships to maintain regional stability and address emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.