The military engagement followed from the announcement by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Boris Johnson outlining the India-UK 2030 roadmap in May this year. Pic/PTI
UK is only the third country with whom India has conducted a tri-service exercise. The armies of the two nations had conducted the Ajeya Warrior exercise earlier this month. Pic/PTI
The two forces integrated within their groups with exercises such as replenishment at sea approaches, air direction and strike operations by fighter aircraft (MiG 29Ks and F35Bs), cross control of helicopters (Sea King, Chetak and Wildcat), transiting through war-at-sea scenarios and gun shoots on expendable air targets. Pic/PTI
This was the second engagement of the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth with the Indian Navy. The two navies had earlier carried out a mega wargame in July before the British carrier group sailed into the contested waters of the South China Sea. Pic/PTI
The simulated induction of Army troops was also undertaken, followed by setting up of a joint command operations centre. The two forces also effected a rendezvous at sea with advanced air operations and sub-surface exercises with an Indian Scorpene class submarine and underwater remote controlled vehicle EMATT. Pic/PTI
According to a statement by the Indian Defence Ministry: All participating units were split into two opposing forces with the aim of achieving sea control to land Army ground-troops at a pre-designated site. Pic/PTI
India and the UK are also looking at deepening their engagements across the entire spectrum of their relationship--trade and commerce, defence relations as well as keeping an eye on the Indo-Pacific. Pic/PTI
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