- The UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) visited Mumbai and Goa,
conducting exercises in the Indian Ocean.
- Strategic partnership with India reinforced through
joint exercises between the UK and the Indian militaries,
strengthening regional security and cooperation
- CSG departs Indo-Pacific as two new defence deals with India
boost British business and jobs, following the Prime Minister's
visit last week.
Britian's strategic partnership with India continues to grow as
the powerful UK-led Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) conducted
military drills with the Indian Armed Forces, completing a
successful visit to India as part of its ongoing eight-month
deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, known as Operation
Highmast.
During the visit, aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and
accompanying vessels joined with the Indian Navy's Carrier Strike
Group, led by the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This joint
activity, known as Exercise Konkan, was conducted in the western
Indian Ocean, and enhanced the warfighting capabilities of both
nations, through developing deeper understanding between the two
militaries.
HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group conducted
combined air exercises with the Indian Air Force, further
demonstrating the growing strategic alignment between both
nations in the region, and helping keep Britian secure at home
and strong abroad.
Operation Highmast reflects the UK's global defence ambitions,
underpinned by the Government's commitment to increase defence
spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, delivering on the Plan for
Change and making defence an engine for growth
Defence Minister Lord said:
“It has been incredible to see the strength and reach of the UK
Armed Forces as the Carrier Strike Group continued its deployment
in South Asia this week.
“Alongside our leadership on global security, we have showcased
leading-edge defence innovation which strengthens our trading
relationship with India and secures British jobs.
“This strategic partnership help keep us secure at home and
strong abroad, while the trade links promise a valuable boost to
the UK economy – demonstrating once again that defence is an
engine for growth.”
British High Commissioner to India, , said:
“India, as the world's largest democracy and an emerging economic
superpower with one of the fastest growing economies in the
world, is a top priority partner for the UK. The visit of the
UK's Carrier Strike Group to India was testament to the strength
of the relationship between our two countries, which has been
revitalised by our two Prime Ministers in recent months.
“Together the UK and India are now focused on the future with our
shared vision for 2035, delivering growth, prosperity and
security in a time of rapid global change.”
The CSG visit and joint exercises further strengthen a growing
military partnership with India, following a new £350 million
deal, which is set to deliver UK-manufactured Lightweight
Multirole Missiles (LMM) to the Indian Army, showcasing defence
as an engine for growth.
Over 700 jobs will be secured in Northern Ireland due to the
contract as the air defence missiles and launchers due to be
manufactured for the Indian Army are the same as those currently
being manufactured in Belfast for Ukraine.
This new military-industrial collaboration will enhance
interoperability between the UK and Indian Armed Forces while
boosting the UK's position as a leading defence exporter. The
deal paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership
between the UK and India, currently under negotiation between the
two governments, following the Prime Minister's visit to Mumbai
last week.
Last week, a new milestone was also reached in the UK and India's
cooperation on electric-powered engines for naval ships as both
countries signed the Implementing Arrangement to advance
collaboration to the next stage, worth an initial £250M.
CSG25 will depart the Indo-Pacific region, bound for the
Mediterranean Sea for the final phase of the deployment prior to
returning to UK waters by the end of the year.
Throughout the deployment, the strike group will advance military
interoperability with partners and provide significant defence
engagement opportunities that strengthen the UK's global network
of defence partnerships, reinforcing our commitment to an
enduring presence in the Indo-Pacific.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Carrier Strike Group is led by
HMS Prince of Wales and includes approximately 4,000 service
personnel
- CSG25 departed the UK in April 2025
and previously completed exercises in the Mediterranean, Indian
and Pacific Oceans
