The Indian Navy has successfully concluded its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 in Bahrain, delivering over 7,800 hours of multinational maritime security training and professional exchanges involving personnel from 39 countries to enhance regional operational readiness and strengthen international partnerships.

The Indian Navy has successfully concluded its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 in Bahrain, delivering over 7,800 hours of multinational maritime security training and professional exchanges involving personnel from 39 countries to enhance regional operational readiness and strengthen international partnerships.

The Indian Navy has successfully concluded its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 in Bahrain, delivering over 7,800 hours of multinational maritime security training and professional exchanges involving personnel from 39 countries to enhance regional operational readiness and strengthen international partnerships.

The Indian Navy has completed its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), during which it oversaw more than 7,800 hours of multinational maritime security training and the participation of personnel from 39 countries during its tenure.

The Navy is scheduled to relinquish command of the task force at a ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of its first leadership assignment in a task force of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

Since assuming command on February 11, 2026, the Indian Navy has led a sustained programme of multinational training, capacity building and professional exchanges aimed at improving maritime security and operational readiness among partner nations, the defence ministry stated in a release.

The tenure has also strengthened India's engagement in the 47-nation CMF partnership and reinforced the Indian Navy's position as a preferred security and training partner in the region.

One of the major achievements of the Indian Navy-led tenure was the delivery of more than 7,800 training hours through a series of multinational exercises, training engagements and professional exchanges.

The programme included 20 Staff Enhancement Training engagements, alongside major maritime security exercises and specialised initiatives, a statement from the defence ministry said.

Among the key activities conducted during the tenure were Operation Compass Rose 26-1 and Operation Southern Readiness 26-2.

The Indian Navy-led task force also organised the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery (SPAR 2026), adding a specialised dimension to its maritime security training efforts.

Personnel from 39 countries participated in various CTF 154 activities, reflecting the multinational reach of the training programme.

The engagements were conducted through virtual, hybrid and in-person formats, covering a broad range of maritime security subjects.

The programme drew on expertise from the Indian Navy, other CMF task forces, partner nations, regional maritime agencies and specialist international organisations.

Another achievement was the expansion of CTF 154's professional engagement across operational task forces, regional partners and specialist institutions, laying the groundwork for future multinational training and capacity-building initiatives.

Established in May 2023, CTF 154 is the Combined Maritime Forces' dedicated multinational maritime training task force.

Its primary objective is to improve maritime security through professional training and capacity building, strengthening interoperability and operational readiness among the 47 nations participating in CMF.
The task force conducts training programmes across the Middle East and the wider region, focusing on five core areas:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Law of the sea
- Maritime interdiction operations
- Maritime rescue and assistance
- Leadership development.

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