New Delhi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 will be hosted by the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from 20 to 23 July 2026. The four-day multinational maritime training programme will bring together naval personnel from partner nations under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The exercise aims to improve professional skills, strengthen cooperation, and enhance regional maritime security through practical training and knowledge sharing.
Indian Navy to Host Four-Day Multinational Maritime Training
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Navy will conduct Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the leadership of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154).
The training will take place at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, one of the Indian Navy’s premier training establishments.
What Is Operation Southern Readiness 26-2
Operation Southern Readiness is a multinational maritime training initiative designed to improve cooperation among navies from different countries. The programme focuses on building practical skills, sharing operational knowledge, and improving coordination during maritime security operations. More than 40 partner nations associated with the CMF are expected to benefit from this collaborative effort.
What Will Participants Learn
The four-day programme combines classroom sessions, simulator-based learning, and practical onboard training. Key training areas include:
- Maritime law
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Information sharing
- Counter-narcotics operations
- Force protection
- Maritime communications
- Countering asymmetric threats
- Maritime uncrewed systems
- Damage control and firefighting
- Survival at sea
- Ship boarding procedures
- Hands-on exercises aboard an Indian Navy ship
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2: Focus on Modern Naval Training
The Indian Navy will showcase its advanced training infrastructure, including modern simulators and professional instructional methods. Officials say the combination of classroom learning and practical exercises is designed to improve interoperability, operational understanding, and teamwork among participating nations.
Why This Exercise Is Important
Global maritime security requires countries to work together against common challenges such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, terrorism, and other maritime threats.
Through Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, India continues to strengthen regional cooperation while contributing to safer international sea routes and improved maritime readiness.
Southern Naval Command’s Growing Role
Hosting this multinational engagement further strengthens the reputation of the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, as one of India’s leading naval training centres. The exercise also highlights India’s growing role in international maritime partnerships and professional naval training.
Official Statement
The Ministry of Defence stated that the engagement reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to multinational maritime training, professional excellence, and regional security cooperation while showcasing Southern Naval Command as a preferred destination for advanced naval training.
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