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Key Points

State Defence Minister Sanjay Seth met with UK counterpart Vernon Coaker during the UK Carrier Strike Group's visit to Mumbai. They reviewed the successful Konkan-25 naval exercise completed with the Indian Navy off India's western coast. Both ministers discussed ways to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen maritime partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting reaffirmed commitment to a robust defence partnership guided by the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Key Points: Sanjay Seth Meets UK's Vernon Coaker During Carrier Strike Group Visit

  • Ministers reviewed ongoing defence engagements between India and United Kingdom
  • Discussed deepening cooperation in maritime Indo-Pacific regions
  • Emphasized growing Indian capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing
  • Reaffirmed commitment to free, open rules-based world order
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State Defence Minister Sanjay Seth meets UK counterpart Vernon Coaker in Mumbai

Defence ministers review Konkan-25 naval exercise, discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation and strengthening India-UK defence partnership during CSG Mumbai visit.

"Such operational interactions enhance mutual understanding of operational philosophies and significantly contribute to interoperability between the two navies - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, October 10

As part of the UK Carrier Strike Group's (CSG) visit to India, State Defence Minister Sanjay Seth met bilaterally with Vernon Coaker, the UK's Minister of State for Defence (Minister for the House of Lords), in Mumbai on Friday, according to a Ministry of Defence (MoD) press release.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing defence engagements and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.

The Minister of State for Defence noted with satisfaction that the UK CSG, led by the Prince of Wales, successfully completed the sea phase of the bilateral maritime exercise Konkan-25 with the Indian Navy off the western coast of India.

The CSG is currently engaged in the harbour phase activities at Mumbai and Goa.

The release further stated that Sanjay Seth emphasised that such operational interactions enhance mutual understanding of operational philosophies and significantly contribute to interoperability between the two navies. During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed India's growing capabilities in manufacturing equipment and the development of indigenous systems bolstering Aatmanirbharta.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the ties in all spheres, including collaboration and opportunities in global defence supply chains. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions in support of a free, open and rules-based world order to ensure freedom of navigation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a robust, multifaceted and mutually beneficial defence partnership, guided by the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 'India-UK Vision 2035', adopted during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2025 to the United Kingdom.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope we're not becoming too dependent on foreign partnerships. The focus should remain on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and developing our own defence capabilities. We need to be self-reliant in the long run.
A
Arjun K
Excellent move! The Indo-Pacific region needs strong naval cooperation to counter Chinese expansionism. Joint exercises like Konkan-25 send a clear message about our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Mumbai, it's fascinating to see these high-level meetings happening in our city. The harbour activities in Mumbai and Goa must be quite a sight! Hope this brings more economic opportunities to our coastal states.
V
Vikram M
The mention of Vision 2035 is promising. Strategic partnerships like this are essential for India's global positioning. However, I hope the benefits trickle down to our defence manufacturing sector and create jobs for Indian youth.
M
Michael C
Good to see the UK Carrier Strike Group visiting India. Such collaborations enhance interoperability and help both navies learn from each other's best practices. The maritime cooperation in Indian Ocean region is particularly important for trade security.

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