Overview
India is preparing to host three significant international maritime events in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam: the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. These events are scheduled from 15 to 25 Feb 2026. This marks the first time India will conduct these major maritime events simultaneously, underscoring its growing maritime influence and commitment to regional security.
Key Objectives
- To operationalize the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision.
- To highlight India’s indigenous naval capabilities.
- To reinforce India's commitment to being a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ across regions.
MAHASAGAR Vision
The event is designed to realize the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which was announced in 2025. This vision extends India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) philosophy from the Indian Ocean to encompass broader regions, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and collective responsibility in maritime affairs.
Core Principles of MAHASAGAR
- Sustainability: Promoting environmentally responsible maritime practices.
- Resilience: Enhancing the ability to withstand and recover from maritime security threats.
- Collective Responsibility: Fostering cooperation among nations to address shared maritime challenges.
International Participation and Strategic Frameworks
Invitations have been extended to navies worldwide to participate in this historic gathering at Visakhapatnam, which is strategically located as India's eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command. The event will showcase India's dedication to free, open, and inclusive seas, underpinned by strategic frameworks such as MAHASAGAR, the Act East Policy, IONS, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Key Strategic Frameworks
- MAHASAGAR: India's overarching vision for maritime security and growth.
- Act East Policy: Strengthening ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- IONS: A forum for maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean nations.
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): A collaborative framework for addressing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Presidential Fleet Review and Indigenous Capabilities
The event will feature a Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by the Hon'ble President of India, showcasing indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes. This reflects India's transformation into a 'Builder's Navy'. The Indian Navy ships will be joined by ships from friendly foreign countries, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marines.
Showcased Indigenous Platforms
- INS Vikrant: India's first domestically built aircraft carrier.
- Visakhapatnam-class destroyers: Advanced guided-missile destroyers.
- Nilgiri-class stealth frigates: Stealth frigates designed for multi-mission roles.
- Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes: Corvettes specializing in anti-submarine warfare.
Exercise MILAN and International City Parade
Exercise MILAN’s Sea and Harbour Phases will focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations. The International City Parade will feature contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and the Indian Air Force marching through Visakhapatnam’s iconic beachfront, the RK Beach, showcasing maritime diplomacy directly to citizens.
Focus Areas of Exercise MILAN
- Interoperability: Enhancing coordination and cooperation among participating navies.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Improving the ability to monitor and understand activities in the maritime domain.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: Developing capabilities to counter submarine threats.
- Air Defence: Strengthening air defence capabilities at sea.
- Search-and-Rescue Operations: Enhancing the ability to conduct search and rescue operations at sea.
International Maritime Seminar and IONS Conclave of Chiefs
An International Maritime Seminar will gather maritime strategists, defence officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues including maritime collaboration, technology, and humanitarian support. The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, during which the Indian Navy would assume Chairmanship for the second time (2025-2027), will bring together Naval Chiefs from 25 members, 9 observers, and specially invited nations to deliberate on maritime security, HADR, and information sharing.
Key Discussion Points at the Seminar
- Maritime Collaboration
- Technology in Maritime Operations
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
Historical Context and Preparations
India's IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition hosting 20 foreign navies and reached greater heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR. Exercise MILAN, launched in 1995 with four navies at Port Blair, has evolved into a premier Multilateral Exercise. Coordinated preparations by the Indian Navy along with various ministries and the Government of Andhra Pradesh will ensure seamless execution. Significant economic benefits for the region are anticipated through hospitality, tourism, and service sector activities.
Economic Impact
- Increased hospitality sector activity.
- Boost in tourism.
- Growth in the service sector.
Strategic Significance
This convergence transforms naval tradition into strategic cooperation, strengthening India’s position as a responsible maritime power committed to mutual advancement, holistic security, and growth across regions.