Visakhapatnam, September 12, 2026: A three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) conducted under the aegis of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) concluded at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam on September 11, bringing together delegations and maritime security experts to strengthen coordinated responses against illicit activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise, which began on September 9, focused on the theme “Coordinated Response to Illicit Maritime Activities in the Indian Ocean Region.” It opened with an address by Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command.
Over the course of more than 72 hours, representatives from CSC member states and observer nations participated in simulated operational scenarios designed to examine complex maritime security challenges and improve coordination among participating countries.
Focus on Emerging Maritime Security Challenges
The discussions addressed several non-traditional threats affecting maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. These included maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Such challenges often extend beyond national boundaries, making timely information-sharing and coordinated action between maritime agencies increasingly important. The exercise provided a platform for participants to examine possible response mechanisms and strengthen cooperation in dealing with such threats.
The participating delegations also reviewed existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and explored ways to improve information-sharing arrangements.
Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness
A key focus of the exercise was enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which plays an important role in monitoring activities across vast maritime spaces and identifying potential security concerns.
By reviewing existing procedures and communication mechanisms, the participating countries sought to improve coordination and develop a more effective collective response to illicit maritime activities.
The exercise highlighted the importance of cooperation between countries in tackling challenges that cannot always be addressed by individual nations alone.
Collective Commitment to Peace and Stability
The successful conclusion of the Table Top Exercise reaffirmed the commitment of the Colombo Security Conclave nations towards strengthening regional cooperation and promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise also aligns with the broader vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which emphasises cooperative approaches towards security and development.
As maritime challenges continue to evolve, exercises such as this provide an opportunity for participating nations to test coordination mechanisms, exchange operational perspectives and strengthen preparedness for future security situations.
The Visakhapatnam exercise underlined the growing importance of collective maritime cooperation, particularly in addressing threats such as terrorism, trafficking, narcotics smuggling and illegal fishing that have the potential to affect regional stability and economic security.
