Exercise Konkan: A New Milestone in India-UK Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Defence (Joint Military Exercises - Exercise Konkan, Naval Assets - Aircraft Carriers, Carrier Strike Groups); International Relations (India-UK relations, Indo-Pacific region).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate; Security challenges and their management in border areas (maritime security).
Key Highlights from the News
Joint naval exercise Exercise Konkan between the Indian Navy and the UK Royal Navy has commenced in the Indian Ocean.
The biggest highlight of this year's exercise is the first-time participation of Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) led by the aircraft carriers of both countries.
The UK's HMS Prince of Wales and India's indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant are participating in this exercise. 🚢
Main objectives of this joint exercise:
Enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
Ensure a free and open sea lane in the Indo-Pacific region.
Uphold a rules-based international order.
This joint exercise is a sign of deepening defence ties between India and the UK. It is a key part of the U.K.-India Vision 2035.
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