What is task force 150?

Sub : IR

Sec: Int groupings

Context:

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to US, Leaders from both countries reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.

About Task Force 150:

The Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) is a multinational naval task force that monitors, boards, inspects, and stops suspicious shipping.
The CTF-150 is based in Bahrain and works under the Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition of nations.
It is part of the international coalition’s efforts to maintain maritime security and stability in the Middle East and surrounding waters, specifically in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.

Focus areas:

Counterterrorism: Prevent the movement of terrorists and their materials, as well as disrupt illicit activities that could support terrorism.
Anti-Piracy: Help deter and prevent acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, especially in the high-risk waters of the Horn of Africa.
Combating Smuggling and Trafficking: Interdict illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people, often used to fund criminal and terrorist activities.
Maritime Security: Protect global maritime commerce by securing key shipping routes from the threat of terrorist and criminal actions.

Command Structure:

CTF-150 is a rotational command, with various nations contributing ships, aircraft, and personnel.
The leadership of the task force rotates among participating countries.

Combined Maritime Forces:

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational naval partnership comprising 34 nations.
It is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, and works to promote maritime security and stability in some of the world’s most important shipping routes.
CMF operates across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf.