The Indian Navy has commenced Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20 to 23 July 2026. The exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), CMF’s dedicated training task force. The programme has brought together participants from 26 countries, reinforcing India’s growing role in promoting maritime cooperation and regional security.
The primary objective of Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is to improve the professional capabilities of naval personnel from participating countries through advanced maritime security training. The programme aims to strengthen interoperability, enhance mutual understanding, and develop coordinated responses to emerging maritime threats. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to building a secure and rules-based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
The multinational exercise is being hosted at the Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi, which serves as the Indian Navy’s premier training command. The four-day programme is scheduled from 20 July to 23 July 2026, providing participants with extensive classroom learning, simulator sessions, and practical demonstrations.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 has witnessed participation from 26 countries, involving over 250 maritime professionals, supported by facilitators, subject matter experts, and international organisations. The diverse participation reflects growing international confidence in India’s maritime training infrastructure and its leadership in regional security initiatives.
The training programme covers several contemporary maritime security topics, including:
The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure prepares naval personnel to effectively address modern maritime challenges.
The exercise is organised in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), one of the world’s largest multinational naval partnerships dedicated to ensuring maritime security across international waters. Under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154, the programme focuses specifically on capacity building and professional maritime training among partner nations.
Hosting Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 reflects India’s increasing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. By leading multinational maritime training, India strengthens diplomatic ties, improves naval interoperability, and supports collective efforts against piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and other non-traditional maritime threats.
The exercise also aligns with India’s vision of promoting a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific while reinforcing its image as a reliable security partner for friendly nations.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is highly relevant for UPSC, State PSC, CDS, NDA, AFCAT, CAPF, SSC, Railways, Banking, Defence, and other competitive examinations. Questions may be asked regarding:
Understanding such multinational defence exercises helps aspirants prepare for current affairs, defence, international relations, and internal security sections.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 highlights India’s emergence as a leading maritime security partner in the Indian Ocean Region. Hosting personnel from 26 countries demonstrates India’s growing diplomatic and strategic influence in global maritime affairs.
The exercise promotes information sharing, coordinated responses, and operational compatibility among partner navies. As maritime threats such as piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing continue to evolve, such multinational cooperation becomes increasingly important for maintaining regional stability.
For competitive examinations, the event connects multiple syllabus topics including defence exercises, international organisations, Indo-Pacific security, maritime law, and India’s foreign policy. Candidates preparing for UPSC, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and State PSC examinations should remember both the purpose and organisational structure of the exercise.
India has steadily expanded its maritime diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral naval exercises over the past two decades. With increasing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy has become an active participant in multinational initiatives aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes, and regional stability.
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational naval partnership that promotes maritime security through collaborative operations and capacity building. India’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154, the CMF’s dedicated training task force, marks an important milestone in India’s growing contribution to international maritime cooperation and professional naval training.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is a multinational maritime security training exercise hosted by the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The exercise is being conducted at the Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi, Kerala.
The exercise is being conducted from 20 July to 23 July 2026.
The exercise is organized in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Combined Task Force 154 is the training-focused task force of the Combined Maritime Forces, currently led by the Indian Navy to enhance maritime capacity building among partner nations.
Representatives from 26 countries are participating in the exercise.
The exercise includes training on:
Southern Naval Command is the training command of the Indian Navy, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. It is responsible for training naval personnel and developing professional excellence.
The exercise is important for UPSC, State PSC, CDS, NDA, CAPF, AFCAT, SSC, Banking, Railways, and Defence examinations because it covers topics related to defence, international relations, maritime security, and India’s foreign policy.
Students should remember:
India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region
Southern Naval Command
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154)
Kochi as the venue
26 participating countries
Maritime security cooperation
Mirabai Chanu Commonwealth Games Gold achievement marks her third consecutive Commonwealth Games title. Learn about…
Sarnath UNESCO World Heritage Site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Learn…
Anahat Singh first Indian world junior squash champion created history by winning the 2026 World…
Exam Reform Task Force Led by Nandan Nilekani aims to make India’s examination system secure,…
PM Modi Exam Security Task Force aims to reform India’s examination system. Know Nandan Nilekani’s…
Spain Wildfires National Emergency highlights the causes, impact, climate change connection, disaster management measures, and…