India, UK Strengthen Ties with Exercise KONKAN 2015

Indian Navy has sent its guided missile frigate INS Trikand to take part in Exercise KONKAN 2015.

In order to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and India, INS Trikand is visiting Devonport, Portsmouth and London. The scheduled visits will conclude on September 18.

During its stay in Devonport, from September 5, the vessel is taking part in the annual bilateral exercise KONKAN. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Trikand, an integral helicopter and a team of marine commandos, while the Royal Navy is represented by HMS Iron Duke, an auxiliary vessel, a nuclear submarine and other shore based assets.

Hosted this year by the Royal Navy, KONKAN 2015 is the 10th edition of the exercise which launched began in 2004. KONKAN 2015 started on September 5 and will conclude on September 11. The drills will be conducted in two phases. The harbour phase at Devonport will involve professional exchanges, exercise planning conferences, sporting fixtures and socio-cultural events. The elaborate sea phase to be held off the South Coast of UK, will involve surface, sub-surface and air exercises of varying complexities. Explosive Ordinance Teams of both navies will also participate in the exercise.

INS Trikand will later sail to London, where it will represent India at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, being held from 14 to 18 September.

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Naval Today Staff, Image: Indian Navy