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The United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, has commenced Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean. Exercise Konkan aims to enhance the combined maritime and air capabilities of the UK and Indian navies on the high seas. The exercise has been held biennially since 2004, but this is the first time in history that British and Indian carrier strike groups will conduct a joint maritime exercise. The exercise will last four days The UK CSG, currently on an eight-month deployment under the name Operation Highmast, has commenced a complex four-day maritime exercise with the Indian Navy's Carrier Strike Group, led by INS Vikrant, which will also involve submarines and various aircraft from both forces. Port visits to Mumbai and Goa also Following the conclusion of the exercise, CSG ships will visit the ports of Mumbai and Goa to celebrate improved military relations with India, showcase the best of British business and industry, and highlight the strong 'living bridge' of people and culture between the UK and India. This joint exercise lays the foundation for future cooperation British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, said, "The UK and India believe in an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open. We share the ambition of a modern defence and security partnership, which is a fundamental pillar of the UK-India Vision 2035, agreed by our Prime Ministers this year. This cooperation between carrier strike groups from our two navies demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order in the region and lays the foundation for future cooperation." Royal Navy Commodore Chris Saunders MBE, Defence Advisor to the British High Commission, said, "Exercise Konkan provides an excellent opportunity for the Royal Navy to train in conducting complex multi-domain operations with India in the Indo-Pacific region." Opportunity for maritime powers to enhance joint operational capabilities He added, "The UK and India are two carrier-operating nations. The Royal Navy and Indian Navy are in an exclusive club as blue-water, multi-carrier navies. This exercise provides another opportunity for both maritime powers to enhance joint operational capabilities and share best practices, the first time with both carriers. The UK is also proud to co-lead the maritime security pillar of India's Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative." Expanding our defence capabilities in support of the international order Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said, "It is fantastic to work with the Indian Navy again during Exercise Konkan and develop our joint operational capabilities." We are collaborating to expand our defence capabilities in support of a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.' At the conclusion of the port visit, the UK CSG will participate in an air defence exercise with the Indian Air Force, allowing both forces to test their tactics and share best practices.