India on Monday inaugurated the first edition of Operation Southern Readiness (OSR) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, bringing together 254 naval personnel from 26 countries for a four-day multinational maritime security exercise focused on strengthening cooperation and operational coordination.
Scheduled from July 20 to 23, the exercise is being conducted jointly by the Southern Naval Command and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The programme aims to improve interoperability, enhance professional exchanges, and develop common procedures for addressing evolving maritime security challenges.
Operation Southern Readiness reflects India’s growing emphasis on collaborative maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and the wider Indian Ocean Region. The initiative provides a platform for partner navies to exchange expertise and refine coordinated responses to threats such as piracy, illegal trafficking, maritime terrorism, humanitarian emergencies, and disaster relief operations.
Hosting the inaugural edition in Kochi highlights the strategic importance of the Southern Naval Command as a centre for advanced naval training and multinational engagement. The command plays a key role in preparing Indian naval personnel while supporting international cooperation through professional military exchanges and joint exercises.
Throughout the exercise, participating navies will take part in table-top planning sessions, tactical simulations, and practical maritime drills designed to improve coordination during multinational operations. The training focuses on enhancing communication procedures, decision-making, and interoperability in complex maritime scenarios.
India has steadily expanded its engagement with friendly navies through a range of bilateral and multilateral exercises aimed at promoting regional stability and secure sea lanes. Operation Southern Readiness adds a dedicated platform for professional maritime training, allowing participating countries to strengthen operational partnerships and share best practices.
The participation of 26 countries demonstrates broad international support for cooperative maritime security initiatives. As global trade continues to rely heavily on secure sea routes, exercises such as OSR contribute to improving collective preparedness, building trust among naval forces, and enhancing the ability to respond effectively to emerging challenges across the maritime domain.