International Fleet Review 2026 & Exercise MILAN 2026
Context:
India will host three major international maritime events simultaneously for the first time in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25, 2026. These are
The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026
Exercise MILAN 2026
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs
This will be one of the largest maritime gatherings in the region, with 55 countries, including the U.S. and Russia, having confirmed their attendance
Significance:
The event is a major operational manifestation of the Prime Minister's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision that was announced in 2025.
MAHASAGAR extends India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) philosophy from the Indian Ocean to across regions.
This emphasizes collective responsibility for the maritime commons.
It demonstrates India's commitment to being a Preferred Security Partner and reflects its commitment to “free, open and inclusive seas”
International Fleet Review:
The event will feature a Presidential Fleet Review at Sea showcasing India's indigenous platforms and reflecting its transformation into a Builder's Navy.
The key platforms on display will include INS Vikrant (first domestically built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes.
The theme for IFR 2026, “United Through Oceans”, draws from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that the oceans are “a shared heritage of nations and societies, and the lifeline of international trade.”
Exercise MILAN's
Biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise
Theme: “Camaraderie, Cooperation and Collaboration”
Consists of two phases – Sea and Harbour phases
Sea and harbour phases will focus on enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.