Global Navies Anchor in Kochi: In a major boost to its status as a primary security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, India officially kicked off the first home edition of Operation Southern Readiness (OSR) on Monday.
The four-day multinational maritime exercise brings together 254 participants from 26 partner countries at the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
Running from July 20 to July 23, the event marks the first time this high-profile maritime training exercise is being hosted on Indian soil, signaling New Delhi’s expanding footprint in international naval diplomacy and maritime security.
India Takes the Helm of Global Naval Cooperation
Global Navies Anchor in Kochi: The exercise is organised under Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the dedicated training wing of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Notably, CTF 154 is currently commanded by the Indian Navy, putting India right at the center of planning and executing operational training for partner fleets.
The mega drill is supported by:
74 expert facilitators and subject matter specialists
Delegates from 4 international organisations, including the United Nations
Naval personnel from 26 partner nations
The opening ceremony set an optimistic tone for regional stability. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander of CTF 154, opened the proceedings, while Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander of the CMF, delivered the inaugural address.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the event, Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the Southern Naval Command headquarters, delivered the keynote address emphasizing cross-border maritime synergy.
Tackle High-Seas Threats: Day 1 Focuses on Red Sea & Indian Ocean
Global Navies Anchor in Kochi: Day one of Operation Southern Readiness went straight to the heart of pressing global maritime concerns. Participants attended a crucial briefing led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which analyzed evolving security threats, piracy concerns, and trade disruptions across the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
Following the strategic briefings, international delegates stepped out of the classroom and into high-tech, hands-on training using the Indian Navy’s advanced simulation infrastructure in Kochi.
Key Practical & Simulator Modules Covered:
Ship Handling & Advanced Navigation: Mastering vessel maneuvering in complex maritime environments.
Astro-Navigation: Precision navigation techniques using celestial bodies.
Distress Communications: Standardizing emergency signaling and response systems across navies.
Damage Control & Firefighting: Real-time crisis containment drills aboard vessels.
The Road Ahead: 3 Days of Intensive Drills
With three days left in the programme, the exercise will intensify with further professional sessions, practical sea-and-shore drills, and joint tactical problem-solving.
By hosting Operation Southern Readiness for the first time, India not only strengthens interoperability among friendly foreign navies but also reinforces its role as a trusted anchor for maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
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