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The Indian Navy has launched Operation Southern Readiness 26.2, a four-day multinational maritime security exercise at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The event features 254 participants from 26 countries. It aims to enhance interoperability and collective maritime security.
The exercise, being held from July 20 under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), marks the first time Operation Southern Readiness is being hosted in India.
Besides representatives from 26 nations, the exercise has drawn 74 facilitators, subject matter experts and delegates from four international organisations.
CTF 154, currently commanded by the Indian Navy, is CMF’s dedicated training task force responsible for strengthening professional readiness, interoperability and maritime capabilities among partner nations through multinational training engagements.
The participants highlighted the growing importance of multinational cooperation, professional training and knowledge sharing to address emerging maritime security challenges.
The first day focused on ship management and specialist training. 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, followed by practical training using the Indian Navy’s advanced simulators in ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting.
The remaining three days will feature professional discussions, simulator-based training and practical exercises covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security, according to the Navy’s statement.
The exercise is part of India’s expanding maritime engagement with partner nations. It reinforces the Indian Navy’s role in regional capacity building, operational interoperability and cooperative security across the Indian Ocean Region. Officials said hosting Operation Southern Readiness in Kochi also strengthens India’s position as a preferred maritime security and training partner in the region.
Team BharatShakti
