Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 Commences at Southern Naval Command, Kochi

The Indian Navy has kicked off Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, an exercise on multi-nation maritime security training, being held for four days at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. The Indian Navy, along with Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), is conducting the event inning collaboration with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). A total of 254 representatives from 26 nations will be attending the exercise, which will also have support from 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations and subject matter experts. This is the first time India will be hosting Operation Southern Readiness in India, which shows the commitment of the country towards strengthening maritime security cooperation at both regional and global level.

What is Operation Southern Readiness 26-2?

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 represents an international maritime training initiative aimed at improving skills, operational collaboration, and interoperability of partner navies and maritime agencies.

This exercise aims at strengthening participant capabilities to respond to emerging maritime security issues through practical training, expert-led discussions, and simulation.

The holding of the exercise in India marks the growing strategic cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Combined Maritime Forces.

Historical First For India

The edition of 2026 will be a historic milestone since it is the first time that Operation Southern Readiness takes place in India.

For the first time, the Southern Naval Command, which plays host to the exercise, is responsible for conducting the exercise.

The exercise highlights the greater leadership role played by India in the area of multinational naval exercise.

India continues its contribution to the stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Navy Leads Combined Task Force 154

Indian Navy is in charge of conducting the training exercises as the Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) is currently run by the Indian Navy.

The mission of CTF 154 consists of the following elements,

• Maritime capacity building;
• Enhancing interoperability of the partner nations;
• Fostering the arrangements for naval training;
• Increasing preparations for the operations.
• Developing multinational cooperation in marine affairs.

Participation of International Delegates

Exercise Southern Readiness 26-2 has convened a wide array of representatives from all over the world.

The mission is attended by the,

• 254 participants.
• Representatives from 26 different nations.
• 74 facilitators.
• Delegates from four international organizations.
• Experts in maritime affairs.

The large scale of the operation showcases the importance of coordinated work in the field of maritime security – a vital component of regional stability.

Significance related to Maritime Security in the Region

Southern Readiness 26- 2 plays a great role in strengthening maritime security efforts across food supplies of significant importance to the countries involved.

In this regard, the mission aims to promote,

• Exchanging information.
• Coordination of forces.
• Awareness of maritime issues.
• Preparing together.
• Strong ties among states involved.

The above tasks become more and more useful in coping with various threats related to piracy, illegal trading, and earning money through crime.