New Delhi: The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal are gearing up for a major naval spectacle as warships from the U.S., Russia, Japan, and Australia set sail towards India. The Indian Navy is preparing for MILAN-26, a high-profile international naval exercise scheduled along the Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh, from February 15 to 25, 2026.
MILAN-26: A Strategic Showcase
MILAN-26 is part of India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—which aims to establish India as a leading maritime power while ensuring regional security, trust, and collective protection of maritime interests.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, briefed President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi about preparations for MILAN-26, the International Fleet Review, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
Massive International Participation
The International Fleet Review will feature 70 warships from 55 countries, including participants from QUAD nations—India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. Both Russian and American warships will be prominently participating. This exercise underlines India’s strategic “Act East” policy and its increasing role in regional maritime security.
Historical Significance
India will host the International Fleet Review for the third time, after previous events in 2001 and 2016. The MILAN exercise, meaning “meeting” in Hindi, fosters naval cooperation and interoperability among participating nations. The inaugural MILAN was held in 1995, with countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand joining. By 2014, 17 nations participated, and MILAN-2022 saw the involvement of 42 countries.
India’s Maritime Ambition
MILAN-26 is not only a demonstration of naval prowess but also a symbol of India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing trust, collaboration, and collective maritime security among allied and friendly navies.
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