Indian Navy Completes Maiden Command of Combined Maritime Forces Task Force 154
Eight-month tenure delivers over 7,800 training hours, engaging personnel from 39 countries and strengthening multinational maritime cooperation
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
NEW DELHI, October 14, 2026: The Indian Navy has successfully completed its maiden command of a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) task force, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing role in multinational maritime security and naval capacity building. The Indian Navy formally relinquished command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) at a ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, on October 14, 2026.
Commodore Milind M. Mokashi handed over command responsibilities to Commander Melissa Desjardins, Deputy Commander of CTF 154, who received the responsibilities on behalf of CMF Headquarters. The ceremony was attended by senior naval officials, diplomatic representatives and delegates from partner nations, including Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, and India’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Dr Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit. Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, Director General Naval Operations of the Indian Navy, joined the event through video conference.
7,800 Training Hours Across 39 Countries
Established in May 2023, CTF 154 is the CMF’s dedicated multinational maritime training task force. It focuses on developing professional capabilities, improving interoperability and strengthening the maritime security capacity of participating nations.
India assumed command of the task force on February 11, 2026, becoming the first Indian Navy contingent to lead a CMF task force.
During its eight-month tenure, the Indian Navy-led task force conducted 20 Staff Enhancement Training engagements, two major multinational exercises and the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery (SPAR 2026). Collectively, these activities generated more than 7,800 training hours, with personnel from 39 countries participating in various programmes.
The training covered critical areas of maritime security, including maritime domain awareness, counter-piracy operations, maritime law enforcement, information sharing, cyber resilience, maritime crime investigation, emerging technologies, multinational operational planning and leadership development.
Operation Compass Rose and Southern Readiness
One of the major engagements was Operation Compass Rose 26-1, conducted from April 20 to 22, 2026. Adapted to a fully virtual format in response to the prevailing regional security environment, the exercise brought together 137 participants, 11 observers and 21 facilitators representing 25 partner nations and 13 organisations.
The exercise demonstrated the ability of participating nations to sustain multinational training and operational coordination despite regional constraints.
Another major milestone was Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, held at the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command in Kochi from July 20 to 23, 2026. It was the first major CMF training exercise hosted by India.
The exercise involved 276 personnel from 27 countries and generated approximately 3,800 training hours, making it the largest Maritime Domain Enhancement Training engagement conducted by CTF 154 since its establishment.
Participants gained exposure to India’s specialised naval training establishments, advanced simulators and operational platforms, highlighting the country’s capacity to support multinational maritime training initiatives.
Focus on Emerging Maritime Threats
The 20 Staff Enhancement Training engagements addressed a broad range of contemporary maritime challenges. Experts from the Indian Navy, CMF task forces, partner nations, regional maritime agencies and specialist institutions contributed operational knowledge and professional expertise.
The tenure also featured the first dedicated Training of Trainers engagement under the CMF training framework and the organisation’s first professional engagement with a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
The concluding major training initiative, SPAR 2026, took place on October 5 and 6, 2026. The inaugural exchange brought together 135 participants, including facilitators, from 25 countries, with contributions from 19 organisations and specialist teams.
The programme provided a collaborative platform for counter-piracy forces, maritime law enforcement agencies, information-sharing organisations, legal experts, technology providers and maritime industry representatives to discuss evolving piracy threats and contemporary security challenges.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Beyond structured training programmes, CTF 154 expanded its engagement with regional partners and specialist institutions. Participation in the Fifth Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue in Nairobi and interactions with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force supported discussions on maritime law enforcement, emerging training requirements and future cooperation.
India joined Combined Maritime Forces as an Associate Partner in 2022 and became a full member in 2023. Its successful completion of the first command of CTF 154 marks a further step in India’s engagement with the multinational maritime partnership.
India’s Expanding Maritime Role
The successful tenure highlights the Indian Navy’s ability to coordinate multinational training, bring together diverse operational expertise and strengthen cooperation among partner nations.
By facilitating knowledge exchange, improving interoperability and enhancing professional maritime capabilities, India’s leadership of CTF 154 has contributed to the shared objective of a secure, stable and rules-based maritime environment.
The achievement further reinforces India’s position as a preferred security and training partner and underscores the Indian Navy’s expanding contribution to collaborative maritime security.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.
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