India will 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 — in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026. This will be the first time that all three significant maritime engagements are being held simultaneously, marking a milestone in India’s naval diplomacy.
The events are being organised as part of the government’s efforts to operationalise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — unveiled earlier this year. The vision extends India’s earlier SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region) beyond the Indian Ocean, promoting sustainable, resilient and cooperative management of maritime spaces across wider regions.
The 2026 convergence aims to underline India’s growing stature as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and a responsible maritime power. Invitations have been extended to navies across the globe to participate in the historic gathering at Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command and India’s principal eastern maritime gateway.
A highlight of the event will be the Presidential Fleet Review at sea, where the President of India will review an impressive display of India’s indigenous naval capabilities. The showcase will feature INS Vikrant — the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier — along with Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes. Ships from friendly foreign nations, the Indian Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine are also expected to participate.
Exercise MILAN 2026 will include both harbour and sea phases, focusing on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations. The International City Parade, to be held along Visakhapatnam’s RK Beach, will see participation from international naval contingents as well as the Indian Army and Air Force, bringing the spirit of maritime cooperation directly to the public.
An International Maritime Seminar will be organised alongside the exercises, bringing together strategists, defence officials, scholars and industry experts to deliberate on issues such as maritime collaboration, emerging technologies and humanitarian assistance. The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, where India will assume the chairmanship for 2025–2027, will see the participation of Naval Chiefs from 25 member states, nine observers and invited countries, focusing on maritime security, information sharing and disaster relief cooperation.
India’s tradition of hosting the International Fleet Review began in 2001 in Mumbai, followed by the 2016 edition in Visakhapatnam, which saw participation from navies around the world. Exercise MILAN, first conducted in 1995 with four participating navies, has since grown into one of the largest multilateral maritime exercises in the Indo-Pacific.
Visakhapatnam, with its robust maritime infrastructure and rich naval heritage, is seen as an ideal venue for the upcoming convergence. The Indian Navy is coordinating preparations in partnership with multiple central ministries — including Defence, Home, External Affairs, Tourism and Culture — along with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and local authorities. The event is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region through tourism and associated service sectors.
