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Indian Navy Forges Global Maritime Ties at Visakhapatnam Fleet Review 2026

The Indian Navy conducted high-level bilateral engagements with multiple partner nations during the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam. Key discussions were led by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and other senior commanders with counterparts from South Africa, Iran, Seychelles, Kenya, the Bahamas, and the European Union Naval Force. The talks focused on strengthening operational cooperation, training exchanges, port visits, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. These interactions highlighted India's proactive role in promoting security and stability across the Indian Ocean region through sustained naval diplomacy.

Key Points: Indian Navy's High-Level Talks at IFR 2026 Boost Global Partnerships

  • Bilateral talks with 6+ global navies
  • Focus on operational cooperation & training
  • Reinforcing Indian Ocean security architecture
  • Engagement under IONS & SAGAR initiatives
2 min read

Indian Navy holds high-level bilateral talks with global partners at IFR 2026

Indian Navy chief holds bilateral talks with naval leaders from South Africa, Iran, Seychelles, Kenya, Bahamas & EU at International Fleet Review 2026.

Indian Navy holds high-level bilateral talks with global partners at IFR 2026
"The interactions collectively underscored India's commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships. - Official Release"

Visakhapatnam, Feb 19

The Indian Navy held a series of high-level bilateral interactions with naval leaders from several partner nations on the sidelines of the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, reinforcing India's growing maritime cooperation across regions.

Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, held talks with South African Navy chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, with their dialogue reflecting the strong trajectory of bilateral naval cooperation, including Exercise IBSAMAR, reciprocal port calls, operational sea training, and enhanced information sharing for Maritime Domain Awareness. The presence of SAS Amatola underscored South Africa's active participation in IFR 2026.

The CNS also interacted with Iranian Navy commander, Admiral Shahram Irani, with both sides discussing expanding operational cooperation through port visits and training exchanges, while reaffirming engagement under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), including collaboration through working groups and the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX).

Western Naval Command's Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, met Seychelles Defence Forces chief Major General Michael Rosette, and their discussions highlighted sustained operational engagement, including regular port calls by Indian Navy ships, Seychelles' participation through PS Zoroaster, and cooperation in training and hydrographic domains, as well as continued collaboration under the SAGAR initiative.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan also met the Kenya Navy commander, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, with their discussions focusing on strengthening operational interactions, training cooperation, and information sharing. Discussions also noted the positioning of a Kenya Navy liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

Additionally, the Western Naval Command chief met the Royal Bahamas Defence Force commander, Commodore Floyd P. Moxey, to discuss capacity building and training support.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, interacted with European Union Naval Force's (EUNAVFOR) Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation following the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership signed in January 2026.

The interactions collectively underscored India's commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and promoting security, stability, and cooperation across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR 2026) is an international maritime exercise hosted and conducted by the Indian Navy on behalf of the President in February 2026 to improve relations with other navies in the region.

The IFR 2026, along with MILAN, is the largest maritime assembly hosted by India since Independence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Vizag, it's incredible to see our city hosting such a massive global event. The sight of all those warships in the harbour is truly impressive. Proud of the Indian Navy for showcasing our capabilities and building these partnerships.
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Vikram M
The talks with Iran are particularly interesting. They are a key player in the Strait of Hormuz. While we must be pragmatic, enhancing naval cooperation for regional stability in the Western Indian Ocean makes strategic sense. Hope it translates into tangible outcomes.
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Rohit P
Good to see the Navy actively engaging with so many partners. However, I hope these high-level talks are followed by actual joint patrols and technology sharing, not just port visits and exercises. We need to build real interoperability, especially with EUNAVFOR.
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Priya S
The outreach to island nations like Seychelles and even the Bahamas is smart diplomacy. It shows India is thinking like a true net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Our Navy's role is expanding beyond just defence to being a force for regional good.
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Michael C
Hosting the largest maritime assembly since Independence is a massive statement. IFR 2026 and MILAN put India firmly on the global naval map. This is about building trust and reducing miscommunication at sea, which benefits everyone's security.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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