India-UK exercises ‘will strengthen defence ties’
BRITISH and Indian military services are set to take part in joint exercises as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sailed into the Bay of Bengal last Friday (15).
The deployment “is a powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to deepening its diplomatic, economic and security-based ties in the Indo-Pacific region”, a statement from the British High Commission said.
“India is essential in ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” it added.
The CSG is led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. At 65,000 tons, she is the largest surface vessel ever constructed in the UK.
She leads six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer and a frigate from the Netherlands.
The CSG is manned by 3,700 sailors, aviators and marines from the combined forces of the UK, US and the Netherlands.
Alex Ellis, the British high commissioner to India,, said: “The Carrier Strike Group’s visit demonstrates the deepening of the UK and India’s defence and security partnership.
“Prime ministers (Narendra) Modi and (Boris) Johnson agreed to work in lockstep for our shared security and prosperity.
“This visit will boost the cooperation of our armed forces and show the living bridge connecting our people.”
The First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin added: “The CSG’s engagement with India showcases the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Both the Indian and the Royal navy are blue-water, multi-carrier navies, which places us in a very exclusive club.
“Our growing interactions are a testimony to the shared commitment to rules-based international system, a belief in the values of open trade, and in the importance of the freedom of the high seas.”