The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, began a joint military exercise in the western Indian Ocean on Sunday.

According to the British High Commission, ‘Exercise Konkan’ is aimed at increasing combined maritime and air capabilities between the two navies on the high seas.

The Indian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group is being led by INS Vikrant while HMS Prince of Wales is leading the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG). It is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier and the largest surface vessel ever constructed in the UK.

An official statement said while the exercise has been biennial since 2004, it marks the first time in history that a British and Indian Carrier Strike Group will conduct a maritime exercise together.

Commodore Chris Saunders

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