Indian Navy Makes History, Assumes Global Maritime Command Role
Indian Navy Takes Command of Multinational Maritime Task Force for the First Time
New Delhi, Feb 13: The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154, marking its first leadership role in the multinational training unit operating under the Combined Maritime Forces. The development highlights India’s expanding influence in global maritime security and cooperative defense initiatives.
Historic Change of Command
The ceremony took place on February 11 at CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, and was overseen by Curt A. Renshaw, Commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command and the United States Fifth Fleet.
Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, attended the event alongside senior military representatives from member nations. During the ceremony, Milind M. Mokashi formally took charge from the outgoing commander of the Italian Navy.
Role and Mission of CTF-154
Established in May 2023, CTF-154 focuses on training and capacity building among the 47-member CMF partnership. Its programs are structured around five pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development.
The task force regularly conducts Maritime Security Enhancement Training and exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern and Southern Readiness to improve collective responses to threats including piracy, illegal trafficking, and irregular migration.
Working Alongside Global Task Forces
CTF-154 operates in coordination with several other CMF units:
Combined Task Force 150 – maritime security operations
Combined Task Force 151 – counter-piracy missions
Combined Task Force 152 – security in the Arabian Gulf
Combined Task Force 153 – Red Sea maritime protection
Strengthening India’s Maritime Leadership
India’s leadership of the task force signals growing international confidence in its operational expertise and reinforces its position as a preferred security partner. The Navy aims to deliver high-impact training initiatives while deepening partnerships to promote stability across critical sea lanes.
Headquartered in Bahrain, the Combined Maritime Forces unites 47 nations to safeguard strategic waterways across the Middle East and surrounding regions. India has steadily expanded its maritime footprint through joint exercises, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian missions, positioning itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
