In a significant step towards bolstering maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a high-level Indian Navy delegation participated in the prestigious WEST 2026 annual conference held in San Diego, USA. Led by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, the team engaged in crucial discussions that underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.
The Indian Embassy in the US highlighted the event on social media, noting how Vice Admiral Vatsayan’s participation reinforced India-US maritime collaboration amid evolving regional dynamics. During the conference, he joined a high-level panel on ‘Allies and Partners: Readiness, Integration, and Future Fight’ in the Indo-Pacific, sharing insights on naval operations and future challenges.
Beyond panel discussions, the delegation held extensive meetings with leaders from the defense industry, fostering opportunities for technological exchanges and joint initiatives. Vice Admiral Vatsayan also interacted with senior US Navy officials, including the Chief of Naval Operations and Fleet Commanders, and toured key naval facilities in San Diego. These engagements aimed at advancing naval partnerships and aligning on shared maritime security objectives.
In a parallel development showcasing India’s rising global naval stature, the Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). This marks the first time an Indian officer has led this multinational training task force, dedicated to capacity building among 47 member nations.
The command transition ceremony took place on February 11 at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, presided over by Vice Admiral Kurt A. Renshaw, Commander CMF, US Naval Forces Central Command, and US Fifth Fleet. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, represented India at the event, attended by senior military leaders from member countries. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shourya Chakra awardee, took over as CTF-154 Commander from his Italian Navy predecessor.
Established in May 2023, CTF-154 focuses on enhancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and beyond. Its training framework revolves around five pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development. This leadership role exemplifies India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean and wider regions, signaling its proactive role in global naval diplomacy.