October 5, 2025, 10:30 PM IST – The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy have officially launched the bilateral Exercise Konkan-2025 on October 5, 2025, along India’s western coastline, marking another milestone in their two-decade-long maritime collaboration. Over the years, this annual exercise has evolved into a sophisticated platform, significantly expanding in scope and intricacy, fostering deeper interoperability, mutual trust, and shared expertise in naval operations between the two nations.
Scheduled from October 5 to 12, 2025, the exercise is structured in two distinct phases. The initial harbour phase, set to unfold over the coming days, will feature a range of professional exchanges, including cross-deck visits, friendly sports competitions, and vibrant cultural interactions between the crews. Additionally, the agenda includes Joint Working Group discussions and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, providing opportunities for strategic dialogue and technical collaboration to refine operational tactics.
The subsequent sea phase will showcase advanced maritime maneuvers, encompassing anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare drills, alongside helicopter operations and various seamanship exercises. Both navies will deploy cutting-edge assets, such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and both onboard and shore-based aircraft. This year’s event gains added prominence with the participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25), led by HMS Prince of Wales, which includes contributions from Norway and Japan, enhancing the exercise’s multinational dimension. The Indian Navy will counter with its carrier strike group, spearheaded by the indigenously built INS Vikrant, supported by an array of surface ships, submarines, and air units.
This exercise reaffirms the joint commitment of India and the UK to maintaining secure, open, and free maritime domains, aligning with the ‘India-UK Vision 2030’ framework for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Following the conclusion of Exercise Konkan on October 12, 2025, the UK CSG 25 will engage in a one-day joint exercise with the Indian Air Force on October 14, 2025, off the western coast, before resuming its scheduled deployment.
Exercise Konkan 2025 serves as a vital forum to strengthen strategic alliances, improve operational coordination, and promote stability across the regional maritime landscape, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two navies.
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