India is set to host three major international maritime events, the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, simultaneously at Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026, marking a historic first for the nation.
The convergence of these events is being viewed as a key operational manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, unveiled in 2025. The initiative reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation and positioning itself as a Preferred Security Partner for its allies and strategic partners.
According to official sources, invitations have been extended to navies worldwide to participate in this landmark maritime gathering at Visakhapatnam, often referred to as India’s eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command.
The events aim to highlight India’s advocacy for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligned with key policy frameworks such as MAHASAGAR, Act East Policy, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The Presidential Fleet Review, to be conducted at sea by President Droupadi Murmu, will be one of the central highlights. The review will feature India’s indigenous naval platforms, including the INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes, underscoring India’s transformation into a ‘Builder’s Navy’.
Naval contingents from friendly foreign nations, alongside ships from the Indian Coast Guard and Merchant Marines, are also expected to participate in the fleet review, reflecting India’s growing maritime partnerships.
The Exercise MILAN 2026 will comprise both Sea and Harbour Phases, focusing on enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
Additionally, an International City Parade will be held along Visakhapatnam’s RK Beach, featuring contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and the Indian Air Force, bringing maritime diplomacy closer to the public.
The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, during which the Indian Navy will assume Chairmanship for the second time (2025–2027), will see participation from 25 member nations, 9 observers, and other specially invited countries. The discussions will centre around maritime security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and information sharing mechanisms.
India’s IFR tradition dates back to 2001, when Mumbai hosted 20 foreign navies, followed by the 2016 edition in Visakhapatnam, which witnessed record participation. Exercise MILAN, initiated in 1995 at Port Blair with just four navies, has since evolved into one of the most significant multilateral naval exercises globally.
The simultaneous conduct of IFR, MILAN, and IONS in 2026 is expected to further elevate India’s stature in the global maritime domain, symbolising its growing influence and leadership in promoting regional stability and maritime cooperation.
