An Indian Navy Task Group and the Royal Navy of Britain will hold a joint exercise, Konkan, in Portsmouth, Britain from June 17, a statement by Indian Defense Ministry said Friday.

Led by India's destroyer INS Delhi, the Indian fleet will comprise INS Beas, INS Brahmaputra and the tanker INS Aditya that will reach Portsmouth on June 17.

The task group will be under the command of Rear Admiral Surinder Pal Singh Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, India.

Konkan is an annual exercise between Indian and Royal Navies aimed at building maritime inter-operability and mutual understanding, the statement said.

So far, four such exercises have been conducted since 2004. This is the first time the exercise is being held in British waters.

HMS Westminsterw HMS Lancaster, the nuclear powered submarine HMS Trafalgar, the auxiliaries RFA Mounts Bayw RFA Fort Rosalie and an RAF Nimrod will participate in the event.

A team of Indian Navy divers will also be conducting Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) training with the British Plymouth-based Southern Diving Group.

After the harbor phase, the combined Task Group will sail and exercise together for six days. The focus will be on anti-submarine warfare.

Source: Xinhua