The Indian Navy on Sunday inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam as part of its flagship multilateral exercise, Exercise MILAN 2026. The ceremonial opening was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, who formally declared the village open and toured the facilities designed to foster global maritime engagement.
Conceptualised as an immersive experience zone, the MILAN Village brings together delegates and naval personnel from more than 70 countries in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship. The initiative aims to promote social and cultural exchanges alongside professional naval cooperation, serving as a hub for informal engagement among participating nations.
A key highlight of the village is its focus on cultural exchange, offering visitors a glimpse into India’s diverse heritage and traditions. The venue will host live vocal performances, traditional folk dances, and cultural ensembles showcasing the country’s rich artistic legacy. Stalls featuring naval memorabilia, handicrafts, and handloom products from across India further underline the cultural theme. Delegates and visitors can also savour a wide range of Indian cuisine, representing regional flavours from different parts of the country.
In his address, Vice Admiral Bhalla said the MILAN Village reflects the spirit of camaraderie and cultural connection that complements professional naval engagement. He noted that as Visakhapatnam hosts the International Fleet Review (IFR), MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in close succession, the convergence marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime outreach and cooperative engagement with partner navies.
The inauguration of the MILAN Village signals the beginning of a broader sequence of naval engagements in the city. Exercise MILAN 2026, which will continue till February 25, will be a central component of India’s maritime convergence, alongside IFR 2026 and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs.
Recognised as one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, MILAN 2026 will focus on enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and collective response capabilities among participating navies. The Harbour and Sea Phases will feature complex operations including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue, and cooperative security missions, reinforcing the shared commitment to free, open, inclusive, and rules-based seas.
As a cultural centrepiece of MILAN 2026, the MILAN Village embodies the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” symbolising the shared resolve of participating navies to strengthen cultural ties and build enduring maritime partnerships.
