MILAN 2026: India’s naval display with strategic vision in the Indo-Pacific

From February 15 to 25, the Indian Navy hosted an unprecedented series of naval engagements that brought together fleets, naval leaders and maritime security experts from across the world.

The simultaneous organisation of the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026 and the 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) created one of the most extensive maritime gatherings ever seen in the Indian Ocean Region.

Participation from 74 countries, including naval chiefs and heads of maritime security agencies from 33 nations, underscored the scale of the engagement. Warships, aircraft and naval personnel from multiple continents converged in Visakhapatnam, turning the city into a global maritime hub.

The events showcased not only the operational reach of the Indian Navy but also India’s growing role as a convenor of cooperative maritime platforms.

The convergence of these events highlighted the country’s expanding naval diplomacy and its strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific.

By bringing together ceremonial displays, operational exercises and institutional dialogue within a single maritime framework, India demonstrated how naval engagement has become an increasingly important instrument of its international outreach.

International Fleet Review 2026: Displaying maritime capability

The ceremonial centrepiece of the gathering was the International Fleet Review held on February 18, 2026. Presided over by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the event featured dozens of warships assembled off the coast of Visakhapatnam in a display of naval capability and international cooperation.

India’s tradition of fleet reviews dates back to the early years of the twenty-first century.

The first was organised in Mumbai in 2001, followed by another in Visakhapatnam in 2016. The 2026 edition marked the third such review and represented the most internationally diverse participation yet.

While the 2001 event included 97 ships from 20 countries and the 2016 edition brought together 95 ships from 50 countries, the latest review featured participation from 74 countries.

The event highlighted the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and growing technological sophistication.

Indigenous platforms such as the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and new-generation destroyers and frigates formed part of the fleet display, reflecting India’s ongoing naval modernisation and its emphasis on domestic shipbuilding capability.

Beyond its ceremonial nature, the fleet review served as a powerful diplomatic platform.

The presence of warships from a broad range of countries—including partners from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific—demonstrated the extent of India’s maritime partnerships.

The event illustrated how naval diplomacy can foster dialogue, strengthen trust among maritime forces and support collective efforts to ensure safe sea lanes.

Exercise MILAN 2026: From regional drill to global platform

Running alongside the fleet review was Exercise MILAN 2026, the thirteenth edition of the Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral naval exercise.

What began in 1995 as a modest regional engagement among four navies—Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand—has evolved into one of the largest maritime exercises in the Indo-Pacific.

The 2026 edition reflected this transformation. With participation from 74 countries, MILAN has become a broad platform for operational cooperation among navies from the Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, Africa and Europe.

New participants such as Germany, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates illustrated the widening geographical reach of the exercise.

MILAN unfolded in two distinct phases. The harbour phase centred on professional exchanges, expert discussions and interactions among naval officers, allowing participants to share knowledge and strengthen institutional relationships.

The sea phase then translated these engagements into practical cooperation through complex naval drills.

During the operational exercises, participating fleets conducted coordinated manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare drills, air defence operations and live-fire exercises.

Aircraft, surface vessels and submarines worked together in multi-domain scenarios designed to enhance interoperability among participating navies. These activities reinforced common operating procedures and strengthened the ability of maritime forces to operate together during real-world missions.

The scale and complexity of the exercise highlighted how maritime cooperation has evolved into an essential component of regional security. With nearly 90 percent of global trade transported by sea, ensuring secure maritime routes remains a shared interest for countries across the Indo-Pacific.

MILAN’s expanding participation reflects the recognition that maritime stability benefits the global economy as a whole.

IONS 2026: Institutional leadership in the Indian Ocean

While the fleet review showcased capability and MILAN demonstrated operational cooperation, the 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium provided the institutional dimension of India’s maritime engagement.

The IONS forum was established in 2008 by the Indian Navy to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among navies of the Indian Ocean Region.

Today, it includes 25 member states and nine observer countries, making it one of the most important institutional platforms for maritime collaboration in the region.

The 2026 conclave in Visakhapatnam was particularly significant as India assumed the chairmanship of IONS for the 2026–2028 term, returning to the role after sixteen years.

Naval chiefs and senior maritime officials from 33 countries attended the meeting, reflecting the forum’s growing relevance.

During its new chairmanship term, India outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on maritime domain awareness, information sharing and professional exchanges.

Initiatives such as the IONS Maritime Exercise and collaborative training programmes are expected to deepen operational interaction among member navies. The induction of the Philippines as a new observer further expanded the forum’s reach.

Through IONS, India aims to strengthen mechanisms that facilitate cooperation on maritime safety, search and rescue coordination and capacity-building among regional navies.

These initiatives contribute to the development of shared norms and practices across the Indian Ocean maritime community.

A growing network of maritime partnerships

The presence of both regional and extra-regional navies illustrated the broad appeal of cooperative maritime platforms.

These engagements reflect a wider trend in global security where navies increasingly work together to address common challenges such as maritime safety, disaster response and the protection of international shipping routes.

Joint exercises and professional exchanges help build familiarity and trust among maritime forces, enabling more effective coordination during emergencies.

India’s growing emphasis on indigenous naval platforms also featured prominently during the events. The deployment of domestically built vessels such as the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and modern stealth frigates highlighted the country’s progress in naval shipbuilding and defence technology.

A defining moment for maritime engagement

The simultaneous organisation of IFR 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026 and the IONS conclave represented a landmark moment in India’s maritime diplomacy.

By hosting ceremonial displays, operational exercises and institutional dialogue within a single framework, the Indian Navy demonstrated how maritime engagement can support cooperation across regions and continents.

The scale of participation and the diversity of represented navies reflected the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific as a centre of global maritime activity.

As sea lanes continue to serve as vital arteries for global trade, initiatives that promote cooperation, interoperability and shared maritime norms remain essential for maintaining stability at sea.