KOCHI, India — July 23, 2026: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a landmark four-day multinational maritime security training exercise, successfully concluded today at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. Jointly hosted by the Indian Navy and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the auspices of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the high-profile engagement brought together 276 personnel from 27 nations, supported by 76 facilitators, subject matter experts, and representatives from four major international organizations. Inaugurated on July 20 by Chief Staff Officer (Training) Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal alongside CMF Deputy Commander Commodore Dan Thomas, the event officially wrapped up with a closing ceremony featuring addresses by CTF 154 Commander Commodore Milind M. Mokashi and the Chief Staff Officer (Training), who awarded certificates to key facilitators.
Over the course of four intense days, the initiative generated 3,800 training man-hours by blending theoretical coursework with high-impact, hands-on practical experience. Participants engaged in deep-dive sessions covering critical areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness, Maritime Law, Counter-Narcotics, Force Protection, Asymmetric Threats, Maritime Uncrewed Systems, and Operational Sea Training. Specialized operational and legal insights were delivered through inputs from the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), CMF’s Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute. Complementing these classroom discussions, participants underwent rigorous real-world drills in Damage Control, Firefighting, Survival at Sea, Boarding procedures, and live sea training aboard an Indian Naval ship. Ultimately, the exercise showcased the Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art simulator infrastructure and advanced training methodologies, reinforcing its leadership within CTF 154, expanding regional interoperability, and solidifying Kochi’s Southern Naval Command as a premier global hub for international maritime security education.