The bilateral exercise Konkan-25 between the Indian Navy and the British Royal Navy commenced on India’s western coast from 5-12 October 2025. First held in 2004, the Konkan exercise has traditionally been biennial.

The bilateral exercise Konkan-25 between the Indian Navy and the British Royal Navy started on 5 October 2025 on India’s western coast. This exercise will be conducted in two phases from 5 to 12 October 2025.
First held in 2004, the Konkan exercise has traditionally been biennial. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the scale and complexity of the exercise, enhancing maritime interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

‘Konkan-2025’ port and maritime phases

The port phase of the exercise will include professional discussions among naval personnel, cross-deck visits, sports events, and cultural programs. Additionally, joint working group meetings and expert exchanges are scheduled.
The maritime phase will involve complex sea operations focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills, flight operations, and other naval skill development.
This edition is the first exercise involving both countries’ CSG – UK’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant.
The United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group (CSG), currently on an eight-month global deployment named Operation Highmast, has integrated with the Indian Navy Carrier Task Force for complex multi-domain operations, including anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck flight operations, and air defense exercises.

‘Konkan-2025’

Both participating countries will deploy frontline assets such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral & shore-based air assets.
The participation of UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25) led by HMS Prince of Wales, including assets from Norway and Japan, makes this year’s exercise even more engaging.
The exercise reaffirms a shared commitment to safe, open, and free seas and exemplifies the comprehensive strategic partnership outlined in 'India-UK Vision 2035'.

Other exercises between India and UK

India and the UK have strengthened defense cooperation through joint military exercises such as Konkan, Cobra Warrior, and Ajeya Warrior, focusing on Indo-Pacific collaboration and defense technology.
The UK will also rely on India for logistics in the Indian Ocean region and will collaborate with India under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to establish a Regional Maritime Security Center of Excellence (RMSCE) to address non-traditional maritime security threats.