'Enhancing combined operational readiness': Indian Navy holds exercise with Indonesia and Japan in Andaman Sea

The Indian Navy joined forces with Japan and Indonesia for a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea on February 13, while also taking command of Combined Task Force 154, a multinational training group, marking two significant developments in India's maritime cooperation efforts.The three-nation naval exercise focused on improving joint readiness and cooperation for regional security. The Indian Navy's spokesperson confirmed this on social media platform X on Saturday, saying: "Ships from the navies of India, Japan and Indonesia undertook a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea on 13 Feb 26, enhancing combined operational readiness, interoperability and reinforcing maritime cooperation towards a safe, secure and stable region." It also released a few photos from the excercise.In a separate development, the Indian Navy took charge of CTF 154 during a ceremony at Combined Maritime Forces Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain on February 11. VAdm Curt A Renshaw, who leads the Combined Maritime Forces, presided over the event. Cmde Milind M Mokashi from India took over from his Italian counterpart as the new commander. CTF 154, which started in May 2023, plays a crucial role in training naval forces across the Middle East region. It's one of several task forces working together, including groups focused on maritime security, fighting pirates, and protecting specific water zones like the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.The task force regularly conducts training programs like Maritime Security Enhancement Training and exercises such as Compass Rose. These activities help partner nations better handle common threats like illegal trafficking, piracy, and unauthorized migration.India's leadership of CTF 154 shows growing international trust in its naval expertise. This position within the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces highlights India's emerging role as a preferred security partner in the region.