In May, the two countries agreed to hold joint exercises to deepen cooperation between them.
The armed forces of the UK and India have successfully completed the first bilateral seven-day tri-service exercise, Konkan Shakti 21.
The Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the exercise was designed to provide an opportunity for the armed forces of the two countries to share best practices and experiences with each other.
Konkan Shakti 21 is the result of a new and transformational comprehensive strategic partnership reached between the countries in May this year.
The India-UK 2030 Roadmap aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, as well as deepen their defence and security cooperation.
As part of this partnership, the two nations agreed to hold joint exercises during the deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean region.
Konkan Shakti 21 featured a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains. It was held in harbour and land phases.
The British Royal Navy was represented by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, alongside its integral F-35 fighter aircraft and helicopters, the Type 23 ship HMS Richmond, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria and more.
INS Kolkata, INS Chennai and INS Kochi, stealth frigates, MIG 29-K fighter aircraft, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), a submarine SU-30 MKI fighters and more participated in the exercise on behalf of the Indian Navy.
The forces practised several techniques, skills and procedures during the exercise, such as replenishment at sea, advanced air and sub-surface exercises, and strike operations by fighter jets.
The drills tested the forces’ synergy, professionalism and readiness when carrying out maritime operations.
