Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, commenced at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 20 July 2026. Hosted by the Southern Naval Command under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), in partnership with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the exercise has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, four international organisations and subject matter experts.
As the first edition of Operation Southern Readiness to be conducted in India, the exercise highlights the growing cooperation between the Indian Navy and CMF. CTF 154, CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force, is currently commanded by the Indian Navy and focuses on strengthening capacity, interoperability and professional readiness among CMF partner nations.
The opening ceremony brought together senior representatives from the Indian Navy and Combined Maritime Forces. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander CTF 154, delivered the opening remarks, followed by an inaugural address from Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, 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 contemporary maritime security challenges.
The opening day’s programme focused on ship management and specialised training, combining expert-led sessions with practical exposure. Participants attended a session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, followed by simulator-based training in ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting using the Indian Navy’s advanced training infrastructure.
Over the next three days, participants will continue with professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security. The engagement reflects the Indian Navy-CMF partnership in advancing regional capacity building, interoperability and collective maritime security while promoting professional exchange and stronger relationships among participating nations. Conduct of Operation Southern Readiness by the Southern Naval Command further augments the role of the Indian Navy as the Preferred Security and Training Partner in the region.
