Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 Brings 26 Nations Together for Maritime Security Training in Kochi

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, commenced at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on July 20, 2026, bringing together naval personnel, international organisations and maritime-security experts from across the world.

Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the programme is being conducted under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces. The engagement includes 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations and subject-matter experts.

The event marks the first conduct of Operation Southern Readiness in India and represents a significant step in the expanding cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Combined Maritime Forces.

Combined Task Force 154 serves as the dedicated training task force of the Combined Maritime Forces and is currently commanded by the Indian Navy. Its mandate focuses on strengthening professional capacity, operational interoperability and maritime readiness among partner nations through coordinated multinational training.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander of Combined Task Force 154, followed by an inaugural address by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces. Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer for Training at Headquarters Southern Naval Command, delivered the keynote address.

The speakers highlighted the importance of professional training, shared operational experience and multinational cooperation in responding to evolving maritime-security challenges.

The opening day focused on ship management and specialised training. Participants interacted with subject-matter experts and received practical exposure to key aspects of naval operations.

A session conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime examined maritime-security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. The discussion covered the changing nature of security risks affecting important sea lanes and the need for coordinated regional responses.

Participants also received hands-on training in ship handling, navigation, astro-navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting. The sessions were conducted using the Indian Navy’s advanced simulators and training infrastructure at the Southern Naval Command.

During the remaining three days, the multinational group will take part in professional discussions, simulator-based instruction and practical exercises covering major elements of contemporary maritime security.

The programme is intended to improve coordination among participating forces, develop common operational understanding and strengthen their ability to respond collectively to maritime threats and emergencies.

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 also provides a platform for personnel from different countries to exchange professional knowledge, understand varied operational practices and build lasting institutional relationships.

The conduct of the engagement in Kochi reflects the growing India–Combined Maritime Forces partnership in regional capacity building and collective maritime security. It also reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the Indian Ocean region.