India has opened the first edition of Operation Southern Readiness in Kochi, bringing together participants from 26 nations for a multinational maritime security exercise. The four-day engagement is being held at the Southern Naval Command and marks a notable international training event hosted by India.
The exercise, titled Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, is focused on maritime security cooperation and readiness. By convening a large group of countries in Kochi, India is positioning the event as a platform for coordinated training and professional interaction in the naval domain.
The launch of the maiden edition highlights India’s role in supporting regional and wider maritime collaboration. A multinational format involving 26 nations also underlines the growing importance of shared preparedness and joint responses to security challenges at sea.
With Kochi serving as the venue, the exercise places the Southern Naval Command at the center of this training engagement. Over four days, Operation Southern Readiness is expected to strengthen operational understanding among participating countries through structured maritime security activities.
