The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, commenced Exercise Konkan-25 with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean.
- This maritime drill — part of the larger bilateral engagement — represents a major step in strengthening the India–UK defence and maritime partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Exercise Konkan
- Exercise Konkan is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK), first held in 2004.
- Traditionally biennial, it aims to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and mutual trust between the two navies.
- The 2025 edition marks the first-ever participation of both nations’ Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) — the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant.
Key Highlights of Exercise Konkan-25
- Location: Western Indian Ocean (off India’s western coast)
- Participants:
- India: Carrier Battle Group led by INS Vikrant, supported by destroyers, frigates, submarines, and air assets.
- United Kingdom: HMS Prince of Wales-led CSG, with participation from Norway and Japan as partner nations under Operation Highmast.
- Structure of the Exercise: The exercise will be conducted in two phases i.e. Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.
MCQs
Q. With reference to Exercise Konkan-25, consider the following statements:
- It is the first edition to feature Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) from both India and the UK.
- Exercise Konkan is an annual naval engagement conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
- The 2025 edition includes participation from Japan and Norway as partner nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
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