Source: PIB
Context:
India will host a landmark maritime convergence in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, featuring three major naval events — the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs — under the MAHASAGAR vision aimed at promoting collective maritime security and regional cooperation.
About Exercise MILAN 2026
Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995, designed to strengthen naval diplomacy, interoperability, and regional maritime cooperation.
- Host: Indian Navy
- Edition: 12th
- Venue: Visakhapatnam
- Participants: Over 40 friendly foreign navies from the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and ASEAN regions.
Aims and Objectives
- To enhance maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) readiness, and air defence coordination.
- To promote search-and-rescue preparedness, operational synergy, and a rules-based maritime order.
- To advance India’s MAHASAGAR (Maritime Security, Growth and Resilience) vision.
Key Features of MILAN 2026
- Dual-Phase Format:
- Includes Harbour Phase (seminars, planning conferences, professional interactions) and Sea Phase (operational drills and tactical manoeuvres).
- Advanced Naval Drills:
- Focus on ASW, air defence, surface warfare, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue missions.
- International City Parade:
- A grand parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and the Indian Air Force — symbolizing maritime diplomacy and joint force capability.
- Showcase of Indigenous Naval Capability:
- India will display its INS Vikrant (indigenous aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, and Nilgiri-class frigates, highlighting its transformation into a Builder’s Navy.
