In its most substantial port visit to date, the Carrier Strike Group will provide a platform for a wide range of cultural demonstrations and trade and investment initiatives, reports Asian Lite News
The UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed into the Bay of Bengal on Friday in a powerful demonstration of the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed by both Prime Ministers in May 2021.
In its most substantial port visit to date, the CSG will provide a platform for a wide range of cultural demonstrations and trade and investment initiatives.
Subsequently, the CSG will take part in the most demanding exercise ever between the UK and India, incorporating elements from all three military services.
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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. India is essential in ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“India is an essential partner for the UK in the Indo-Pacific region. The Carrier Strike Group’s visit demonstrates the deepening of the UK and India’s defence and security partnership,” said British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis.
“Prime Ministers Modi and 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, First Sea Lord Adm Tony Radakin said 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 – a right conveyed on all nations,” he said.
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