Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 Begins at Southern Naval Command in Kochi

Kochi, July 21: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training exercise, commenced at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on July 20. Hosted by the Indian Navy under the leadership of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the programme is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The exercise has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, four international organisations, and maritime experts. This is the first time Operation Southern Readiness is being held in India, marking a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s growing collaboration with CMF.

The opening ceremony featured addresses by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander CTF 154; Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, CMF; and Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Southern Naval Command. They highlighted the importance of multinational cooperation, professional training, and shared learning in addressing emerging maritime security challenges.

The first day focused on Ship Management and Special Training, including sessions by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on maritime threats in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Participants also underwent practical training in ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, firefighting, and damage control using the Indian Navy’s advanced simulators.

The remaining sessions will cover simulator-based exercises and practical training aimed at enhancing regional maritime security, interoperability, and professional cooperation. The initiative further reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the Indo-Pacific region.