Indian Navy Takes Command of Multinational Maritime Training Force

On February 11, 2026, the Indian Navy took control of a significant multinational training group known as Combined Task Force 154. This task force is part of a larger organization called the Combined Maritime Forces. The goal of CTF 154 is to strengthen maritime security through joint training and cooperative activities among member nations. The ceremony to mark this transition happened at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces in Manama, Bahrain. It was presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, who is the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces and also the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. During the event, Commodore Milind M. Mokashi from the Indian Navy officially took over as the Commander of CTF 154. He replaced the previous Commander from the Italian Navy. This change signifies the trust and recognition that the international community has in the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Senior military leaders from different countries, including Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who is the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of India, attended the ceremony. The Indian Navy looks forward to a productive period of leadership. Founded in May 2023, CTF 154 is focused on increasing maritime security across the Middle East and nearby regions. Its main activities involve training and exercises designed to improve the ability of partner nations to deal with common threats. These threats include illegal trafficking, piracy, irregular migration, and other maritime challenges. The training exercises conducted by CTF 154 focus on five key areas. These are Maritime Domain Awareness, which involves understanding what is happening at sea; Law of the Sea, which involves legal issues related to maritime activities; Maritime Interdiction Operations, which are actions to enforce maritime laws; Maritime Rescue and Assistance, which involves helping ships in distress; and Leadership Development, which aims to improve the skills of maritime leaders. This task force regularly holds training events such as Maritime Security Enhancement Training, and conducts exercises with names like Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness. These activities help participating nations build their operational skills to better respond to threats at sea. CFT 154 operates alongside other similar groups under the Combined Maritime Forces. These include CTF 150, focused on maritime security; CTF 151, dealing with counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, which works in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153, operating in the Red Sea. This structure allows for coordinated efforts across different regions. The leader of the Indian Navy’s participation in CTF 154 reflects the increasing trust in India’s maritime expertise and operational experience. India is now recognized as a preferred security partner among the 47 nations that are members of the Combined Maritime Forces. This recognition underscores India’s growing role in regional and international maritime security. The Indian Navy’s leadership of CTF 154 represents a major step in international maritime cooperation. It highlights the nation’s capability in professional skills and operational experience. It also shows the willingness of India to work with other countries to promote peace, stability, and security at sea. The official position shared by Indian military leaders is one of commitment to the goals of CTF 154. They aim to deliver high-quality training initiatives and strengthen partnerships with other nations. This approach is intended to improve marine safety, combat illegal activities at sea, and support regional stability. Overall, India’s assumption of command over CTF 154 marks an important development in maritime security cooperation. It demonstrates India’s active participation in efforts to enhance safety at sea and its leadership in regional security initiatives. The Indian Navy sees this as an opportunity to build stronger international partnerships and contribute to a safer maritime environment for all.