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Vizag Hosts Global Naval Power: Fleet Review & Milan 2026 Set for February

Preparations are underway for the International Fleet Review (IFR) off Visakhapatnam on February 18, followed by the multinational exercise Milan-2026 on February 19. President Droupadi Murmu will review the capabilities of the Indian Navy, with participation from ships and delegates from 19 countries, including the USA, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, and Iran. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the Milan exercise, which aims to strengthen mutual cooperation in maritime operations. The Andhra Pradesh government has pledged full support for the events, which will see significant participation from the Indian Navy, including 90 ships and 45 aircraft.

Key Points: International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam: Details

  • President to review naval capabilities
  • 19 nations including US & Iran participating
  • Defence Minister to attend Milan exercise
  • 90 Indian ships & 45 aircraft deployed
2 min read

Arrangements for International Fleet Review, Ex Milan 2026 to be held off Visakhapatnam discussed

President Murmu to review Indian Navy. 90 ships, 45 aircraft from India & 19 nations to participate in IFR & Milan 2026 exercises off Vizag.

"President Droupadi Murmu will review the capabilities of the Indian Navy during IFR. - Official Statement"

Amaravati, Feb 2

With the International Fleet Review to be held off Visakhapatnam on February 18, followed by the multinational exercise Milan-2026 on February 19, officials met on Wednesday to discuss the arrangements.

President Droupadi Murmu will review the capabilities of the Indian Navy during IFR.

Ships from 19 countries, including Sri Lanka and Iran, and approximately 4,000 delegates will be attending the event.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend Milan, a programme aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation and capabilities in maritime operations.

Eastern Naval Command's Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Sushil Menon, and other naval officers on Monday met Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand at the Secretariat here to discuss the arrangements for the two events.

He informed the Chief Secretary that a large number of ships, aircraft, and delegates from various countries would be participating in IFR.

He also mentioned that three ships and about 150 delegates from the USA, Germany, and France would be participating. Similarly, 90 ships, 45 aircraft, and approximately 600 delegates from India will also be part of the event.

President Murmu, Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (retd), and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would be attending the Fleet Review.

The Chief Minister and other dignitaries would attend the International City Parade.

The Chief Secretary told the Eastern Naval Command officers that the state government would provide all necessary assistance and cooperation to make the International Fleet Review and Milan-2026 a success.

He issued instructions to the department officials concerned regarding the arrangements to be made. Since VVIPs like the President, the Defence Minister, the Governor, and the Chief Minister are attending this programme, Vijayanand directed the officials to make appropriate security and other arrangements accordingly.

The President reviews the capabilities of the Navy once during his or tenure. This is also called the President's Fleet Review.

Ships from neighbouring and friendly countries, along with the country's nav,y participate in the Review. On this occasion, the President reviews the capabilities of the ships from those countries. Key warships and submarines participate in this programme.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Impressive scale! 90 Indian ships and 45 aircraft shows our naval strength. Milan is such an important exercise for building trust and interoperability with friendly nations. Hope it strengthens maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
V
Vikram M
The participation of countries like the USA, Germany, and France alongside Sri Lanka and Iran is interesting. Shows India's balanced foreign policy. But I hope the focus remains on our indigenous capabilities and the Make in India initiative for defence.
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Priya S
President Murmu reviewing the fleet is a proud moment. The security arrangements must be top-notch with so many VVIPs attending. Kudos to the Eastern Naval Command and Andhra officials for the planning. Wish I could visit Vizag to see the ships!
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Rohit P
While this is a fantastic display, I hope the substantial funds and effort also translate to tangible benefits for coastal communities and fishermen's safety. Sometimes these grand events feel distant from ground realities.
K
Karthik V
Excellent news! Milan has grown so much over the years. It sends a strong message about India's role as a net security provider. Hope our sailors make the most of this learning opportunity with foreign navies.

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