Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

Why in news?

The Indian Navy will host a multinational maritime training programme in Kochi. It will run from 20 to 23 July 2026. The programme involves personnel from the Combined Maritime Forces partnership. India will conduct it through the training task force it currently leads.

Background

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is a four-day maritime security training engagement.

The Indian Navy will host it at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala.

The event is being organised with the Combined Maritime Forces, a voluntary multinational naval partnership.

The partnership is shortened to CMF; its headquarters is located in Bahrain.

CMF currently brings together 47 countries; it works across important shipping routes covering about 3.2 million square miles.

CMF describes itself as the world’s largest multinational naval partnership.

Its priorities include countering piracy, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and unlawful activity by non-state actors.

Do not misread the name: Official sources do not expand “26-2”; it does not mean 26 participating countries.

How is the partnership organised?

CMF works through five Combined Task Forces; each force has a distinct maritime responsibility.

Combined Task Force 150 handles maritime security outside the Arabian Gulf.
Combined Task Force 151 concentrates on counter-piracy operations.
Combined Task Force 152 covers maritime security inside the Arabian Gulf.
Combined Task Force 153 covers Red Sea maritime security.
Combined Task Force 154 provides maritime security training.

The final body is shortened to CTF 154; Operation Southern Readiness falls under this training task force.

Membership does not force every country to deploy a warship; contributions depend upon national choice and available resources.

A country may send a liaison officer, aircraft or ship; it may also support only selected activities.

How did the training task force develop?

CMF established CTF 154 on 22 May 2023.
The United States first led the new task force.
Jordan, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Italy later held command.
India assumed command from Italy on 11 February 2026.
This became India’s first command of any CMF task force.
India will now lead the July training programme in Kochi.

Commodore Milind Mokashi took command for the Indian Navy; the core staff includes personnel from several partner countries.

What will the programme teach?

The programme combines classroom lessons, simulators, practical exercises and training aboard Indian naval ships.

Maritime law explains the legal rules governing conduct at sea.
Maritime domain awareness builds a shared picture of vessels, risks and activities.
Information sharing helps different forces exchange warnings and operational details quickly.
Counter-narcotics training supports the detection and interception of drug trafficking.
Force protection safeguards ships, personnel, bases and essential equipment.
Asymmetric-threat training addresses attacks using cheaper or unconventional methods.
Uncrewed maritime systems include remotely operated or autonomous surface and underwater platforms.
Damage control teaches crews to contain flooding, fire and structural damage.
Boarding procedures prepare teams to inspect a vessel safely and lawfully.
Survival training covers emergencies, communication and rescue at sea.

What does interoperability mean?

Interoperability means that forces from different countries can work together effectively.

They need compatible procedures, clear communication and a common understanding of legal limits.

Joint training reveals differences before a real emergency occurs; it also builds trust between participating personnel.

Such preparation helps during rescue missions, piracy incidents, smuggling cases and humanitarian emergencies.

Prelims point: CTF 154 is CMF’s training task force; India assumed its command for the first time in February 2026.

Why is Kochi suitable?

The Southern Naval Command is the Indian Navy’s principal training command.

Kochi has training schools, simulators, harbour facilities and access to operational naval platforms.

Its position also connects training with the wider Indian Ocean security environment.

Why does the exercise matter for India?

It strengthens India’s role as a regional maritime training partner.
It improves cooperation without requiring a combat operation.
It supports secure trade routes across the western Indian Ocean.
It gives Indian trainers experience with diverse naval practices.
It demonstrates India’s ability to lead a large multinational mechanism.

Conclusion

Operation Southern Readiness is primarily a capacity-building programme; its value lies in shared skills, trust and coordinated maritime responses.