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74 Nations Join India's MILAN 2026, World's Largest Naval Exercise Concludes

The MILAN 2026 multilateral naval exercise has concluded in Visakhapatnam after bringing together 74 nations and a fleet of 42 warships. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the event, highlighting it as the largest and most inclusive edition, reflecting global trust in India. The exercise featured Harbour and Sea phases focused on strategic training, interoperability, and sharing best practices among partner navies. It underscores the Indian Navy's rapid growth and the critical need for international cooperation to address maritime challenges.

Key Points: MILAN 2026: 74 Nations, 42 Warships in Naval Exercise

  • 74 participating nations
  • 42 warships deployed
  • Enhances maritime interoperability
  • Indian Navy's growing might
  • Harbour and Sea phases
2 min read

74 Nations, 42 Warships: Exercise MILAN 2026 concludes in Visakhapatnam

India concludes MILAN 2026, the largest naval exercise with 74 nations and 42 warships in Visakhapatnam, boosting maritime cooperation.

"MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition to date - Rajnath Singh"

Vishakhapatnam, February 25

The MILAN 2026 naval exercise was recently concluded in Visakhapatnam.

According to an official release, the key highlights of the event included strategic training, unique integration, evolution of scale, phases & assets and india's naval might.

MILAN is organised to foster mutual cooperation and strengthen ties among countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These exercises provide a platform for participating nations to learn and practice joint maritime combat strategies and interoperability.

The exercise consisted of both 'Harbour' and 'Sea' phases. This multilateral exercise featured an impressive lineup of 42 warships and approximately 32 aircraft and helicopters.

The Indian Navy is recognised as one of the most powerful naval forces in the world. Demonstrating rapid growth, a new warship is commissioned into the Indian Navy approximately every 50 days.

Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking the start of the premier multilateral naval exercise.

During the inauguration, the Defence Minister extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests representing 74 countries. He asserted that MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition to date.

This edition reflects the global maritime community's confidence in India as a trusted and responsible maritime partner, he said.

"This year, with the participation of 74 nations, MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition to date, a reflection of the confidence the global maritime community places in India as a trusted and responsible maritime partner," said Singh.The Defence Minister further highlighted that this premier multilateral platform seeks to enhance interoperability among partner nations.

By sharing professional experiences and best practices, the exercise aims to improve competence while deepening friendships between participating navies through the evolution of bonds rooted in mutual advantage, he said.

"MILAN 2026 seeks to enhance interoperability among navies of partner countries, improve professional competence by sharing professional experiences and practices, and deepen friendships among participating navies by evolving bonds of mutual advantage," highlighted Singh.

Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister noted that MILAN has grown steadily in both scope and stature. He emphasised that, through the concerted efforts of all partners, the event has evolved from a regional interaction into one of the world's most prominent multinational naval exercises.

He firmly asserted that no single navy, regardless of its capability, can deal with these challenges alone. Hence, in today's interconnected world, cooperation among navies is now more important than ever.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Vizag, it was incredible to see the ships in the harbour. The city was buzzing with energy. It's great for local businesses too. Hope this becomes a regular feature!
A
Aditya G
A new warship every 50 days? That's the pace we need to secure our vast coastline and EEZ. This exercise sends a strong message about our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Well done Indian Navy!
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Rahul R
While the scale is impressive, I hope the focus on "mutual cooperation" is genuine and not just strategic posturing. True security in the Indian Ocean Region needs to be inclusive and address the concerns of all littoral states, not just the powerful ones.
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Priya S
This is fantastic for India's soft power. Hosting so many nations builds invaluable diplomatic bridges. The Defence Minister is right – in today's world, no navy can go it alone. Collaboration is key for maritime security against piracy, smuggling, and disaster relief.
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Michael C
The interoperability aspect is crucial. In a real crisis, navies need to communicate and operate seamlessly together. Exercises like MILAN are the best way to build that muscle memory. Kudos to the organizers for pulling off such a large event.

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