Navy

New Delhi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, commenced at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 20 Jul 2026. Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the engagement is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), in partnership with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators and four International Organisations, and Subject Matter Experts.

The exercise marks the maiden conduct of Operation Southern Readiness in India and represents an important milestone in the growing engagement between the Indian Navy and CMF. CTF 154, CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force, is presently commanded by the Indian Navy and is focused on strengthening capacity, interoperability and professional readiness of CMF Partner Nations through multinational maritime training.

The Opening Ceremony featured opening remarks by Cmde Milind M Mokashi, Commander CTF 154, inaugural address by Cmde Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, and keynote address by RAdm Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command. The addresses underscored the importance of professional training, shared learning, and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime security challenges.

The opening day, broadly themed around the subject of 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 (UNODC) addressed maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. This was followed by hands-on exposure on Ship Handling, Navigation, Astro Navigation, Maritime Distress Communication Systems, and Damage Control and Firefighting utilising Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art simulators and associated training infrastructure.

Over the next three days, participants will continue with a diverse 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 stronger relationships among participating nations. Conduct of Operation Southern Readiness by the Southern Naval Command further augments the role of the Indian Navy as the Preferred Security and Training Partner in the region.

New Delhi: Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Boston on 12 Jul 2026 after her successful participation in the Sail4th 250 celebrations at New York. The ship took part in the Grand Parade of Sails, marking the commencement of Sail Boston 2026.

Shri Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston, embarked INS Sudarshini for the Grand Parade of Sails and the ship’s ceremonial entry into Boston. Sailing proudly with the Indian Tricolour, INS Sudarshini passed prominent landmarks including Castle Island and the Seaport District before berthing at Boston Fish Pier.

Joining an international fleet of over 60 tall ships from more than 20 nations, INS Sudarshini is representing India as a maritime ambassador of goodwill during her ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition. Reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, international goodwill and cultural exchange, the ship will remain open to visitors from 12 to 15 Jul 2026.

Following successful port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, and New York, INS Sudarshini’s participation in Sail Boston 2026 further strengthens the growing India–US maritime partnership and showcases India’s rich seafaring heritage on the global stage.

• Future conflicts could emerge in unforeseen forms; Soldiers must remain ready
• Govt is committed to equipping defence forces with world-class weaponry

New Delhi: “India stands as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh as he commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and upholding the Tricolour amid an increasingly complex global security environment. He was addressing naval personnel in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 10, 2026, during Barakhana on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region, Raksha Mantri stated that over 90 per cent of India’s trade by volume passes through maritime routes, while the country’s energy security, Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories make maritime security central to its economic growth and national interests.

He emphasised that increasing geopolitical competition and the growing presence of extra-regional powers have underscored the need for heightened maritime vigilance. “In such a situation, the Indian Navy is protecting India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea lanes and upholding the country’s interests across the region,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh described India as the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean Region, and reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and a secure maritime environment. “The region is our courtyard, and securing the courtyard is our responsibility,” he added.

Raksha Mantri underlined the progress being made towards achieving self-reliance, terming the commissioning of Mahendragiri as another shining example of India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. While he credited the valour, commitment and patriotism of the defence forces for protecting the nation from threats and challenges, he urged the soldiers to continue upgrading their skills, master cutting-edge technologies, and remain prepared to address the changing character of modern warfare.

Stressing that the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly, Shri Rajnath Singh said that future conflicts could emerge in new and unforeseen forms. He urged the soldiers to remain physically and mentally prepared, continuously upgrade their skills, and master emerging technologies.

“There are conflicts that are fought without a formal declaration of war. The adversary of tomorrow may not look like the adversary of the past. The Government will leave no stone unturned to provide the soldiers with the world’s best weaponry, technology and resources. But weapons alone do not win wars; it is the people who wield them that do,” he added.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior officers of the Indian Navy were present on the occasion.

New Delhi: Indian Naval Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at New York, USA, on 08 Jul 2026, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition. The visit showcased India’s rich maritime heritage while further strengthening the strategic and cultural partnership between India and the United States.

As part of the Indian Navy’s 10-month transoceanic deployment, the indigenously built three-masted barque represented India at the International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations, organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. A major highlight of the visit was INS Sudarshini’s participation in the spectacular Parade of Sail, during which the ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty and along the Hudson River, proudly flying the Indian National Flag alongside an impressive fleet of international tall ships and naval vessels.

During her stay at Brooklyn, INS Sudarshini served as a floating ambassador of India, welcoming over 1,000 visitors on board, including members of the Indian diaspora, local residents, and maritime enthusiasts. Visitors were provided an insight into the Indian Navy’s sail training traditions and India’s rich maritime heritage.

The ship also hosted several distinguished visitors, including the Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Shri Parvathaneni Harish. They interacted with the crew and appreciated the ship’s role in promoting India’s maritime legacy and strengthening people-to-people and maritime ties between the two countries.

A State Dinner hosted on board brought together senior diplomats, military officials and distinguished guests, providing an opportunity to further reinforce the growing India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Following the successful completion of all engagements, INS Sudarshini departed the Port of New York for Boston, where she will participate in the forthcoming Sail Boston 2026 celebrations. The ship continues to carry the Indian Navy’s message of friendship, maritime cooperation and goodwill across the oceans as part of the Lokayan 2026 expedition.

New Delhi: INS Chilka witnessed a proud and momentous occasion as 3,011 trainees of Batch 01/26, successfully passed out on 12 Jun 2026 after completing 16 weeks of rigorous ab-initio naval training. The Passing Out Parade marked their successful transformation from recruits into disciplined, motivated and professionally trained personnel, ready to take on the challenges of naval service.

The batch comprised 2,746 Agniveers, including 116 women Agniveers of the Indian Navy, and 265 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard.

The Passing Out Parade was reviewed by VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as the Chief Guest. Cmde B Deepak Aneel, Station Commander, INS Chilka, was the Conducting Officer of the parade. The event was attended by distinguished veterans, senior officers, eminent personalities and family members of the passing out trainees, adding warmth and pride to the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the demanding training programme. He exhorted them to uphold the Indian Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage and serve the nation with dedication, integrity and professionalism.

In recognition of exceptional performance during the training, the Chief Guest presented medals, trophies and awards to outstanding trainees. The Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Trainee (SSR) and (MR) were awarded to Kornana Dhanalakshmi and Rudhikesh Maruti Pawar respectively. The Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Trainee in the Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Prapti Ramesh Chavhan, while Devasish was adjudged the Best Navik (GD).

Prior to the Passing Out Parade, a Valedictory Function was organised, which included the presentation of the End-of-Term Report and a vibrant cultural programme by the trainees. The Overall Championship Trophy was awarded to Kharavela Division, while Angre Division secured the Runners-Up position.

The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of Ankur (01/26), the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, capturing the experiences, achievements and transformational journey of the trainees during their 16 weeks training at INS Chilka.