President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday for a two-day visit to witness the International Fleet Review 2026, a major maritime event that brings together naval forces from India and friendly foreign countries. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President will formally review the assembled fleet, underscoring India’s sovereign oversight of its maritime domain and growing naval engagement with the world.
The International Fleet Review is a ceremonial assembly of warships, submarines and aircraft from participating navies, traditionally held to demonstrate naval capabilities and foster cooperation. The 2026 edition will commence with a Presidential Banquet on Tuesday, followed by the main review on Wednesday, when the President will inspect a fleet of around 70 ships anchored off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The event is being hosted by the Indian Navy, which has described the review as a platform showcasing maritime strength, cooperation and camaraderie among participating nations.
Senior constitutional and political leaders from Andhra Pradesh are also scheduled to attend the review, including Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (Retd) and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Naval officials said the presence of national and state leadership highlights the strategic and symbolic importance of the event, particularly at a time when maritime security and regional stability are gaining prominence in the Indo-Pacific.
A key attraction at the International Fleet Review will be INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, which is expected to draw close attention from visiting navies. Vikrant, which formed the core of India’s carrier battle group during Operation Sindoor, played a central role in the Indian Navy’s deterrent posture in the northern Arabian Sea. According to official accounts, the deployment of the carrier battle group contributed significantly to shaping the maritime environment during the operation, compelling the Pakistan Navy to adopt a defensive stance and seek an urgent ceasefire.
Warships, submarines and aircraft from friendly foreign countries will assemble at sea as part of the review, offering a visual display of collective maritime capability. The event is intended not only as a ceremonial occasion but also as an opportunity for navies to observe each other’s platforms and operational practices, reinforcing mutual understanding and professional respect.
Beyond the fleet review itself, IFR 2026 will feature a range of associated activities, including an International City Parade, cultural exhibitions and public engagement programmes. These events are designed to connect the wider public with maritime heritage and naval traditions, while also showcasing the cultural diversity of participating nations.
Visakhapatnam is simultaneously hosting the 13th edition of MILAN, the Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral naval exercise, conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command in the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Over 135 countries have been invited to attend MILAN 2026, which aims to strengthen professional bonds, share best practices and enhance cooperation at sea through large-scale multilateral operations.
The coastal city is also the venue for the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave, making this the first time India has hosted all three major maritime events together. Naval officials have described this convergence as a reflection of India’s expanding role in regional and global maritime affairs.
India has previously hosted International Fleet Reviews in 2001 at Mumbai and in 2016 at Visakhapatnam. The first review in 2001 saw participation from 97 warships representing 20 countries, while the 2016 edition witnessed the largest-ever gathering of warships in Indian waters, with around 100 vessels from 50 countries. With IFR 2026, India seeks to build on that legacy, positioning Visakhapatnam as a focal point of international maritime engagement.
