Operation Southern Readiness 26‑2 Starts at Southern Naval Command, Kochi – Indian‑Hosted Training

The Indian Navy kicked off Operation Southern Readiness 26‑2 on 20 July 2026 at the Southern Naval Command . The event is held under the aegis of the Indian‑led CTF 154 and in partnership with the CMF . A total of 254 participants from 26 countries , supported by 74 facilitators and four international organisations, took part. Key Developments Opening ceremony featured remarks by Cmde Milind M Mokashi , Commander CTF 154, and an address by Cmde Dan Thomas , Deputy Commander, CMF. Sessions covered ship management, navigation, astro‑navigation, distress communication and damage‑control using Indian Navy simulators. The UNODC presented briefings on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Four days of mixed classroom, simulator‑based and practical exercises aim to boost interoperability among partner navies. Important Facts This is the first time Operation Southern Readiness is being conducted on Indian soil, marking a milestone in Indo‑CMF cooperation. The exercise underscores India’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Participants accessed state‑of‑the‑art simulators for ship handling, navigation, and fire‑fighting, providing hands‑on experience that complements theoretical learning. UPSC Relevance Understanding this exercise helps aspirants answer questions on maritime security architecture , regional cooperation and India’s strategic outreach in the IOR. The involvement of CMF illustrates how multilateral frameworks complement bilateral defence ties. The role of the Southern Naval Command highlights the importance of training establishments in force preparedness, a recurring theme in GS2 and GS3. Way Forward Future editions are likely to expand participant numbers and incorporate emerging domains such as cyber‑maritime security and unmanned surface vessels. Strengthening ties with CTF 154 can help India lead capacity‑building initiatives across the IOR. Continuous engagement with agencies like UNODC will ensure that maritime law‑enforcement challenges are addressed in a coordinated manner.