The United Kingdom’s powerful Carrier Strike Group (CSG), proudly led by its aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, embarked on a significant joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy on Sunday. Dubbed ‘Exercise Konkan,’ this maritime drill unfolded in the strategic Western Indian Ocean.
This four-day intensive maritime drill is meticulously designed to bolster both nations’ combined naval and aerial capabilities. While Exercise Konkan has been a regular, biennial fixture since its inception in 2004, this particular iteration stands out as historic. It marks the very first time that the Carrier Strike Groups of both the UK (HMS Prince of Wales) and India (INS Vikrant) are participating together.
Currently halfway through its eight-month global deployment, known as Operation Highmast, the UK CSG seamlessly integrated with the Indian Navy’s carrier task force. Together, they are conducting intricate multi-domain operations, featuring crucial anti-submarine warfare exercises, dynamic cross-deck flying maneuvers, and comprehensive air defense drills.
After the successful completion of the exercise, the British warships are slated to make goodwill port calls in Mumbai and Goa. These visits will serve to further deepen bilateral defense ties, proudly exhibit British trade and industry, and celebrate the vibrant ‘living bridge’ of shared people and culture connecting the UK and India.
Naval personnel from both the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy actively engage on the inaugural day of Exercise KONKAN-25, conducted off India’s western seaboard on Sunday, October 5, 2025. (Image credit: Defence PRO via PTI Photo)
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, underscored the significance of the exercise, stating, “Both the U.K. and India are firm believers in a free and open Indo-Pacific. We are committed to fostering a modern defense and security partnership, a key pillar of the U.K.-India Vision 2035, an agreement forged by our Prime Ministers earlier this year. The joint operations between our two navies’ Carrier Strike Groups clearly showcase our dedication to upholding a rules-based international order in the region, paving the way for even deeper future collaboration.”
Commodore James Blackmore, who commands the U.K. CSG, further emphasized that this robust partnership reaffirms the mutual commitment to ensuring security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Following these port visits, the U.K. CSG is scheduled to engage in an aerial defense exercise with the Indian Air Force. This valuable interaction will enable both forces to test and refine their tactical approaches while significantly boosting interoperability.
Operation Highmast represents a formidable multinational deployment spearheaded by the U.K. CSG. It offers the U.K. Armed Forces a crucial opportunity to execute a major global deployment and conduct sophisticated operations alongside trusted partners and allies in the region, benefiting from the support of 12 other nations contributing ships or personnel.
