New Delhi: The Indian Navy is scheduled to relinquish command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) during a ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, on October 14, 2026. The handover marks the completion of the Navy’s first-ever command of a task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The Indian Navy assumed command of CTF 154 on February 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s engagement with the multinational maritime security partnership.
CTF 154 is CMF’s dedicated maritime training task force. It focuses on professional training and capacity building to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness among participating nations.
Over 7,800 Training Hours Delivered Under Indian Command
During the Indian Navy-led tenure, CTF 154 conducted a sustained programme of multinational training under CMF’s Maritime Domain Enhancement Training framework.
The programme included 20 Staff Enhancement Training engagements, Operation Compass Rose 26-1, Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, and the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery, known as SPAR 2026.
Collectively, these activities generated more than 7,800 training hours, with personnel from 39 countries participating in CTF 154 activities.
The training programme covered a range of maritime security subjects and combined virtual, hybrid and in-person engagements. It drew on expertise from the Indian Navy, CMF task forces, partner nations, regional maritime agencies and specialist international organisations.
The tenure also expanded CTF 154’s professional engagement with operational task forces, regional partners and specialist institutions, supporting multinational training and future capacity-building initiatives.
India’s Expanding Role in Combined Maritime Forces
The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational maritime partnership comprising 47 nations. Its activities focus on maritime security, cooperation and capacity building across key maritime regions.
India joined CMF as an Associate Partner in 2022 and became a full member in 2023. The Indian Navy’s assumption of command of CTF 154 in February 2026 represented the country’s first opportunity to lead a CMF task force.
The command tenure provided an opportunity for India to contribute to multinational training, strengthen professional cooperation and support the development of shared maritime security capabilities.
Handover Marks a Milestone in Regional Maritime Cooperation
The handover in Manama marks another milestone in India’s growing engagement with CMF and its contribution to collaborative maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Through training engagements, multinational exercises and professional exchanges, the Indian Navy-led tenure sought to improve interoperability and operational preparedness among participating countries.
The tenure has further reinforced the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security and training partner in the region, reflecting India’s commitment to cooperation, capacity building and collective maritime security.
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