Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, commenced at the Southern Naval Command here on Monday, a Defence spokesperson said.

According to a statement, the exercise is being hosted by the Southern Naval Command under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154, in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces.

The engagement has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations and subject matter experts.

"The exercise marks the first edition of Operation Southern Readiness to be held in India and represents an important milestone in the growing engagement between the Indian Navy and the CMF," the statement said.

"CTF 154, the CMF's dedicated Training Task Force, is currently commanded by the Indian Navy and focuses on strengthening the capacity, interoperability and professional readiness of CMF partner nations through multinational maritime training," it added.

According to the Defence spokesperson, the opening ceremony featured welcome remarks by Commodore Milind M Mokashi, SC, Commander, CTF 154; an inaugural address by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces; and a keynote address by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command.

The speakers underscored the importance of professional training, shared learning and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime security challenges, the statement said.

"The opening day, themed around Ship Management and Special Training, combined professional interaction with subject matter experts and practical exposure. A session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime focused on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean," the statement said.

Participants received hands-on training in ship handling, navigation, astro-navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting using the Indian Navy's state-of-the-art simulators and training infrastructure, the spokesperson said.

Over the next three days, participants will continue with a programme of professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security.

The engagement reflects the Indian Navy-CMF partnership in advancing regional capacity building, interoperability and collective maritime security while promoting professional exchange and strengthening ties among participating nations, the statement added.