Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement hosted by the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command, commenced in Kochi on July 20, bringing together participants from 26 countries to strengthen regional maritime cooperation and professional readiness.
The exercise, being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), marks the first time that Operation Southern Readiness is being hosted in India. It is being viewed as a significant milestone in the expanding engagement between the Indian Navy and the Combined Maritime Forces.
A total of 254 participants from 26 countries are taking part in the exercise, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives from four international organisations and subject matter experts.
CTF 154, the Combined Maritime Forces’ dedicated Training Task Force, is currently commanded by the Indian Navy. The task force focuses on strengthening capacity, interoperability and professional readiness among CMF partner nations through multinational maritime training initiatives.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander of CTF 154, followed by an inaugural address by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, and a keynote address by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command.
The speakers highlighted the importance of professional training, shared learning and multinational cooperation in addressing emerging maritime security challenges.
The opening day’s programme centred on ship management and specialised training, combining expert-led discussions with practical sessions. Participants attended a session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
The delegates also received hands-on training in ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting using the Indian Navy’s advanced simulators and training infrastructure.
Over the remaining three days, participants will take part in a series of professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities covering various aspects of contemporary maritime security.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the exercise reflects the growing partnership between the Indian Navy and the Combined Maritime Forces in promoting regional capacity building, interoperability and collective maritime security. It also aims to foster professional exchanges and strengthen relationships among participating nations while reinforcing the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the region.
