Story perspectives

India and UK Navies Wrap KONKAN-26 Exercise Off Plymouth

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 6:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

India’s Navy and UK’s Royal Navy concluded bilateral exercise KONKAN-26 off Plymouth on 15 Oct 2026.
The exercise lasted eight days, from 8 Oct to 15 Oct 2026.
India deployed frigate INS Trishul while the UK fielded Duke-class frigate HMS Sutherland.
India’s Ministry of Defence said the exercise reinforced enduring India-UK maritime partnership and joint response capability.
The four-day sea phase (12-15 Oct) included seamanship, tactical, communication, anti-surface, anti-submarine drills and firings.

History

Historical Context

In October 2008 the Indian Navy began anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, deploying 21 warships that escorted merchant ships and prevented attacks. In 2009 India and the United Kingdom carried out a joint patrol off the Horn of Africa, alongside NATO’s Combined Task Force 151. The 2024 KONKAN-26 drill with INS Trishul and HMS Sutherland extends that Indo-British partnership to secure Indian Ocean.

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Story summary

India’s Navy and UK’s Royal Navy concluded bilateral exercise KONKAN-26 off Plymouth on 15 Oct 2026.
The exercise lasted eight days, from 8 Oct to 15 Oct 2026.
India deployed frigate INS Trishul while the UK fielded Duke-class frigate HMS Sutherland.
India’s Ministry of Defence said the exercise reinforced enduring India-UK maritime partnership and joint response capability.
The four-day sea phase (12-15 Oct) included seamanship, tactical, communication, anti-surface, anti-submarine drills and firings.

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