Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 Begins at Kochi; 26 Nations Participating

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

**CTF-154 hosts multinational training under Indian Navy leadership

**Kochi Hosts Maiden Operation Southern Readiness in India

DELHI/RAJOURI, JULY 22:-Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement involving participants from 26 countries, commenced at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on July 20.

Hosted by the Southern Naval Command under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the exercise marks the first-ever conduct of Operation Southern Readiness in India. It highlights the growing engagement between the Indian Navy and CMF.

A total of 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations, and subject matter experts, are taking part in the event.

CTF-154, CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force, is presently commanded by the Indian Navy and focuses on enhancing capacity building, interoperability, and professional readiness among CMF partner nations through multinational maritime training initiatives.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander CTF-154, an inaugural address by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, and a keynote address by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command.

The speakers emphasized the importance of professional training, knowledge sharing, and multinational cooperation in addressing emerging maritime security challenges across the region.

The opening day, themed around Ship Management and Special Training, combined professional interaction with subject matter experts and practical exposure to various aspects of maritime operations. Participants attended a session conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) focusing on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.

The programme also included 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 next three days, participants will engage in a diverse schedule of professional sessions, simulator-based training, and practical activities covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security and operational preparedness.

The exercise reflects the strong partnership between the Indian Navy and CMF in promoting regional capacity building, interoperability, and collective maritime security while fostering professional exchanges and stronger ties among participating nations.

Officials said the conduct of Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 further reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.