India and UK Conclude KONKAN-26 Naval Exercise

The India–UK bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-26 concluded off Plymouth, England, on 15 October 2026. It was held from 8 to 15 October, with the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy participating.

Bilateral Naval Exercises

KONKAN-26 was conducted to develop tactical interoperability and enable the exchange of naval practices in multi-threat maritime scenarios. Its stated objectives included cooperation in maintaining open, secure and free seas. The exercise was linked to the India–UK Vision 2035 for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which includes deeper defence cooperation and naval interoperability. Naval exercises can involve coordinated manoeuvres, communications and warfare drills between participating forces.

Participating Ships

The Indian Navy deployed INS Trishul, a guided-missile stealth frigate. The Royal Navy deployed HMS Sutherland, a Duke-class frigate designed for anti-submarine warfare. A frigate is a warship used for roles that can include escort, surveillance and anti-submarine operations. Anti-submarine warfare comprises operations to detect, track and counter submarines.

Exercise Phases and Activities

KONKAN-26 comprised a Harbour Phase at Plymouth and a Sea Phase off the southern coast of the United Kingdom. The Sea Phase ran from 12 to 15 October 2026. Activities included advanced seamanship manoeuvres, joint tactical exercises and communication procedures. The forces also conducted anti-surface asymmetric warfare drills, anti-submarine warfare activities and weapon firings.

Important Facts for Exams

• Plymouth is a port city in Devon, in south-west England.
• HMS Sutherland belongs to the Royal Navy’s Duke-class, also known as the Type 23 class.
• INS Trishul previously participated in Exercise VARUNA-24 with the French Navy at Toulon.
• INS Trishul arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, on 18 October 2026, after KONKAN-26.

Before KONKAN-26, INS Trishul also made a port visit to Valencia, Spain. The exercise formed part of India–UK naval engagement under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.