The Indian and UK navies have commenced an eight-day mega wargame in the Western Indian Ocean on October 5, 2025. Exercise Konkan aims to strengthen military ties and enhance combined maritime and air capabilities between the two nations.

The UK's Carrier Strike Group, spearheaded by the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, is participating in the Exercise Konkan. The Indian Navy has stated that the exercise reaffirms the mutual dedication to ensuring secure, open, and free seas. It also exemplifies the "comprehensive strategic partnership" detailed in the India-UK Vision 2035.

Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, emphasized the shared vision of the UK and India for a free and open Indo-Pacific. She stated that the two countries aspire to a modern defense and security partnership, which is a fundamental aspect of the UK-India Vision 2035, agreed upon by their prime ministers this year. Cameron added that the engagements between the Carrier Strike Groups of both navies demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order in the region and lay the foundation for future cooperation.

Commodore Chris Saunders, the British High Commission's defense advisor, highlighted Exercise Konkan as an excellent opportunity for the Royal Navy to train in complex multi-domain operations alongside India in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that both the UK and India are among a select group of "blue-water, multi-carrier navies". Saunders also said that the exercise allows the two maritime powers to improve their combined capabilities and share best practices.

The exercise is designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain. Drills encompass a range of complex operations. The UK's aircraft carrier deployment in the Indian Ocean region demonstrates the country's commitment to an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.