India Hosts Maiden Operation Southern Readiness Exercise

India is hosting Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a multinational maritime security training engagement, at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala, from 20 to 23 July 2026. The exercise is being conducted under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 and in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces.

Operation Southern Readiness

Operation Southern Readiness is a maritime security training exercise linked to the Combined Maritime Forces, a multinational naval partnership that conducts cooperative maritime operations. The 2026 edition in Kochi is the first time India has hosted the exercise.

Combined Task Force 154

Combined Task Force 154 is one of the task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces. The Indian Navy assumed command of CTF 154 in February 2026, and Commodore Milind M. Mokashi became the first Indian naval officer to lead a Combined Maritime Forces task force.

Training Components and Participation

The four-day exercise has 254 participants from 26 countries, along with 74 facilitators, representatives from four international organisations, and subject matter experts. The training programme includes classroom instruction, simulator-based modules, and practical exercises on maritime law, maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics operations, force protection, asymmetric threats, and maritime uncrewed systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Southern Naval Command in Kochi is one of the Indian Navy’s major training commands.
• Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain.
• Maritime domain awareness refers to the effective understanding of activities in the maritime environment.
• Maritime uncrewed systems include unmanned surface and underwater platforms used for naval tasks.

Operational Skills Covered

The exercise also includes hands-on training in ship handling, navigation, damage control, firefighting, maritime communications, and water survival demonstrations. These activities use the Indian Navy’s training infrastructure at Kochi.

Previous Editions

Earlier editions of Operation Southern Readiness in 2026 were held in Mombasa, Kenya, in January. The inaugural event was hosted by Seychelles.