KONKAN Exercise, 2025:

KONKAN Exercise, 2025:

  • Context: 

  • The latest edition of KONKAN-2025 which is the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (U.K.), has recently commenced off India's western coast. 

  • This exercise is a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to ensuring secure, open and free seas and will exemplify the comprehensive strategic partnership outlined in ‘India-UK Vision 2035’. 

  • Participants: 

  • India:  

  • It is represented by the INS Vikrant's Carrier Battle Group, along with other ships, submarines, and aircraft. 

  • United Kingdom:  

  • It is represented by the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25), led by HMS Prince of Wales.  

  • Phases of the Exercise:  

  • The exercise is conducted in two phases: 

  • Harbour Phase:  

  • It involves professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and expert exchanges between the participating navies. 

  • Sea Phase:  

  • It consists of complex operational drills that include anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. 

  • It also has flying operations and advanced seamanship evolutions.