India Launches First-Ever Operation Southern Readiness in Kochi with 26-Nation Participation

India has launched the inaugural edition of Operation Southern Readiness (OSR) 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, bringing together naval officers and maritime security professionals from 26 countries for a four-day multinational training programme. The initiative marks another milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen international maritime partnerships and reinforce collective security across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.

The exercise, being held from July 20 to July 23, is organised by the Southern Naval Command in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). A total of 254 participants are taking part in the programme, which is designed to improve coordination, interoperability and operational readiness among partner navies facing common maritime security challenges.

Unlike traditional naval drills that primarily focus on sea-based manoeuvres, Operation Southern Readiness is centred on professional military education and knowledge sharing. The programme combines classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and simulator-based training to prepare participants for modern maritime operations. Discussions cover a wide range of subjects including maritime domain awareness, information sharing, maritime law, counter-smuggling operations, force protection, damage control, boarding procedures, survival at sea and the growing role of unmanned systems in naval warfare.

The Indian Navy is also showcasing its advanced training infrastructure at the Southern Naval Command, one of the country’s premier naval training establishments. Participants are receiving hands-on exposure to modern training facilities while exchanging operational experiences with officers from different maritime forces. Such interactions are expected to improve coordination during multinational humanitarian missions, anti-piracy operations, disaster relief efforts and other cooperative maritime activities.

Hosting the maiden edition of Operation Southern Readiness reflects India’s expanding role as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific. With increasing emphasis on safeguarding vital sea lanes, countering transnational maritime threats and ensuring freedom of navigation, New Delhi has steadily strengthened defence engagement with friendly nations through joint exercises, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

The exercise also aligns with India’s vision of promoting a secure and inclusive maritime environment through international cooperation. By bringing together naval professionals from diverse regions under one platform, Operation Southern Readiness aims to build stronger professional networks, encourage the exchange of best practices and enhance collective preparedness for emerging maritime challenges.

As maritime security continues to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and complex regional threats, initiatives such as Operation Southern Readiness underline India’s commitment to developing long-term defence partnerships and supporting a stable, rules-based maritime order.