By Staff Correspondent
The UK’s Littoral Response Group (LRG) arrived in Chennai as the initial part of its deployment to the Indian Pacific area.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus and RFA Lyme Bay engaged in maritime manoeuvres with the Indian Navy upon entering the Arabian Sea and will now undergo necessary repairs at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard in Kattupalli, located near Chennai.
For the first time, a Royal Navy ship will be serviced at an Indian shipyard. This is possible because of the logistics-sharing agreement agreed between the UK and India in 2022.
According to Brigadier Nick Sawyer, Defence Advisor at the British High Commission, the presence of the Littoral Response Group demonstrates the United Kingdom’s competence and dedication to the Indo-Pacific region. The presence of Royal Navy vessels undergoing necessary repairs at an Indian shipyard serves as further evidence of the India-UK Logistic Exchange Memorandum. It also signifies the ongoing and increasing significance of the strategic defence partnership between the United Kingdom and India, as we work towards realizing the goals outlined in the India-UK 2030 Roadmap.
After the repair work in India is over, the LRG will be deployed in the Indo-Pacific region to carry out training, and exercises, and establish stronger relationships with friends and partners.
