Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement hosted by the Indian Navy in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), concluded in Kochi on Thursday after bringing together maritime professionals from 27 countries to strengthen regional cooperation and collective maritime security.
Conducted under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, the exercise saw the participation of 276 personnel from 27 countries, supported by 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, along with representatives from four international organisations.
The engagement, which commenced on July 20, was inaugurated by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command, in the presence of Commodore Dan Thomas of the Royal Navy, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, senior naval officers and representatives of participating nations.
The closing ceremony on July 23 featured an address by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander, CTF 154, presentation of certificates to facilitators, and a valedictory address by the Chief Staff Officer (Training).
Over four days, participants underwent a blend of classroom discussions, simulator-based instruction and practical exercises covering key aspects of maritime security. The programme focused on Maritime Domain Awareness and Information Sharing, Maritime Law, Counter-Narcotics operations, Force Protection Measures, Asymmetric Threats, Maritime Uncrewed Systems and Operational Sea Training.
The specialised sessions were delivered by experts from the Indian Navy, including the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), alongside CMF elements such as the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC). International organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMO IMLI), also contributed to the training.
Participants also received hands-on instruction in damage control and firefighting, maritime communications, survival at sea, boarding procedures and operational sea training onboard an Indian naval ship. The practical exercises enabled personnel from different maritime services to exchange operational experiences and best practices.
According to the Indian Navy, the engagement generated nearly 3,800 training man-hours and enhanced interoperability, professional networks and operational confidence among participating nations, while contributing to regional capacity-building and collective maritime security.
The Navy said the successful conduct of Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 showcased its modern training infrastructure, advanced simulators and professional expertise, while reinforcing the partnership between the Indian Navy and Combined Maritime Forces. It also highlighted India’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154 and reaffirmed the Southern Naval Command’s position as a leading hub for professional maritime training.