Why in News?
On 11 February 2026 the Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF‑154) at a ceremony in Manama, Bahrain. CTF‑154 is the training and capacity‑building task force within the 47‑nation Combined Maritime Forces coalition.
Background: Combined Maritime Forces
The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational partnership headquartered in Bahrain. Established after the Gulf War, it promotes maritime security and upholds the international rules‑based order across about 3.2 million square miles of ocean.
- Mission: CMF counters narcotics trafficking, smuggling and piracy; encourages regional cooperation; and responds to humanitarian or environmental crises when necessary. Member contributions range from staff officers to warships.
- Structure: CMF operates five task forces: CTF‑150 conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf; CTF‑151 combats piracy; CTF‑152 focuses on security inside the Arabian Gulf; CTF‑153 addresses Red Sea security; and CTF‑154 provides training and capacity‑building.
- Member Nations: Forty‑seven countries participate, including India, the United States, United Kingdom, France and regional partners. There is no binding treaty; participation is voluntary and mission‑based.
CTF‑154 and India’s Role
- Mandate: CTF‑154 organises training programmes on maritime domain awareness, law of the sea, interdiction operations, search‑and‑rescue and leadership development. Exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness fall under its purview.
- Significance of Indian Command: Commodore Milind M. Mokashi of the Indian Navy took command from an Italian officer, reflecting the trust placed in India’s maritime professionalism. India’s leadership enhances its stature as a security partner and expands opportunities for joint training with other navies.