The bilateral relationship between India and UK was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ back in 2004 and was further strengthened through reciprocal diplomatic visits by the PMs of both nations. The Indian Navy – Royal Navy cooperation has been steered in accordance UK-India Joint statement announced during PM Boris Johnson’s visit to India in April 2022; in the joint statement, both Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to transforming defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In the context, Sir Ben Key – First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy, UK, visited India for a two-day official trip from 02 – 03 Mar 23 to participate in the Raisina Dialogue at Delhi. On 02 Mar 23, Sir Ben Key paid homage at National War Memorial and laid a wreath during the visit.

He also interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, on 02 Mar 23. The discussions encompassed various issues of common interest, including maritime capability development and greater naval cooperation to enhance the interoperability between the two navies further to address emerging threats. The discussions emphasized the significance accorded by both countries for a collaborative approach towards maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The engagements between Indian Navy and Royal Navy include operational interactions such as the Bilateral Exercise KONKAN and Joint Services Exercise Konkan Shakti, training exchanges, and the exchange of Maritime Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields. In addition, warships from both Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports, especially after the increased significance of the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit of the First Sea Lord Sir Ben Key is another noteworthy aspect of Navy-to-Navy relations. It is a consolidation of growing engagements between both navies—Shano Varuna. 

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