More than 25 countries to join Indian Navy-led naval exercise in Kochi from July 20

The engagement underscores the Navy’s growing role in building regional capacity through its association with the CMF, an international maritime partnership involving more than 40 countries. File photo for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: PTI

The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security exercise, from July 20 to 23 at the Southern Naval Headquarters in Kochi, bringing together personnel from around 25 countries in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The exercise will be conducted under the auspices of the Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), a specialized training task force of the CMF. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, United States of America and United Kingdom.

Designed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability, the program will provide professional maritime security training, hands-on exposure and exchange of best practices among personnel from CMF partner nations, a Navy statement said.

The engagement underscores the Navy’s growing role in building regional capacity through its association with the CMF, an international maritime partnership involving more than 40 countries.

The training will combine classroom instruction, simulator-based modules and practical exercises. Key subjects include maritime law, maritime domain awareness and information sharing, counter-narcotics operations, force protection, asymmetric threats and unmanned maritime systems.

The participants will also undergo hands-on training in damage control and fire fighting, maritime communication, survival at sea, embarkation procedures and boarding an Indian Navy ship for practical training.

The Navy said the exercise will showcase the Southern Naval Command’s modern training infrastructure, advanced simulators and professional teaching capabilities. By integrating theoretical learning with practical application, the program aims to improve professional understanding, interoperability and cooperation between participating navies.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 22:26 IST