Indian and Royal Navies Hold Strategic Talks and Exercises

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom conducted the 17th Executive Steering Group meeting in New Delhi from October 14-15, 2026. Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Sachin Sequeira and Major General Paul Maynard, the discussions focused on deepening operational engagements and exploring cooperation in future capabilities and emerging technologies.

Simultaneously, the Indian Navy deployed the guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul to Plymouth, United Kingdom, arriving on October 11. The vessel is participating in Exercise Konkan-26, a bilateral maritime exercise consisting of sea and harbour phases designed to improve interoperability and maritime security.

During the harbour phase in Plymouth, India's High Commissioner to the UK, P. Kumaran, hosted a ceremonial deck reception on the INS Trishul. The event was attended by Luke Pollard, the UK Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry.