Exercise MILAN 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: India will host a historic maritime convergence in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, featuring the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN 2026, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs, under the MAHASAGAR vision.
About Exercise MILAN 2026:
• What it is? Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995, aimed at fostering naval diplomacy, interoperability, and regional maritime cooperation.
• Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995, aimed at fostering naval diplomacy, interoperability, and regional maritime cooperation.
• Nations Involved: It began with four navies at Port Blair and has grown into a premier global event, with participation from over 40 friendly foreign navies including those from the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and ASEAN regions.
• Aim: The exercise aims to enhance maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, air defence coordination, and search-and-rescue preparedness, reinforcing a rules-based maritime order.
• Key Features of MILAN 2026:
• Dual-Phase Structure: The exercise will comprise Harbour and Sea phases, focusing on both operational drills and strategic-level exchanges.
• Advanced Naval Drills: Includes anti-submarine warfare, air defence, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue operations, enhancing multi-navy interoperability.
• International City Parade: A grand parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, showcasing maritime diplomacy to the public.
• Showcase of Indigenous Capability: India will display INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, and Nilgiri-class frigates, reflecting its evolution into a Builder’s Navy.
• Significance of MILAN 2026:
• Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy: Positions India as a regional convenor for maritime cooperation, advancing the MAHASAGAR vision of collective security and growth.
• Enhancing Naval Interoperability: Builds trust, communication, and tactical synergy among participating navies for coordinated multilateral operations.
• Supporting the Indo-Pacific Vision: Reinforces India’s role in ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligned with Act East and IPOI initiatives.