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India-Germany Navy Chiefs Meet at MILAN 2026, Boost Maritime Ties

Indian Navy Deputy Chief Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti held key bilateral meetings with German and Maldivian naval leaders on the sidelines of Exercise MILAN and the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam. The discussions with Germany's Vice Admiral Axel Deertz focused on enhancing cooperation, professional exchanges, and growing operational interoperability, highlighted by the presence of a German P-8 aircraft. Separately, the meeting with Maldives' Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem reinforced the shared commitment to regional maritime security and stability. The events coincide with the massive International Fleet Review 2026, showcasing India's indigenous naval capabilities with participation from 65 nations.

Key Points: India-Germany Naval Talks at MILAN 2026 Focus on Cooperation

  • Bilateral talks at MILAN 2026
  • Enhanced naval cooperation with Germany
  • Reinforced partnership with Maldives
  • Showcasing India's maritime power
2 min read

Indian Navy's Deputy Chief VAdm Tarun Sobti holds bilateral interaction with German fleet Commander VAdm Axel Deertz

Indian Navy Deputy Chief meets German Fleet Commander in Visakhapatnam to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security.

"The interaction highlighted avenues for enhanced cooperation, professional exchanges, and sustained maritime engagements. - Indian Navy Spokesperson"

Visakhapatnam, February 19

Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti held bilateral interaction with Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces Vice Admiral Axel Deertz on the sidelines of Exercise MILAN and the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam.

According to the Indian Navy, their interaction focused on enhanced cooperation, professional exchanges, and sustained maritime engagements between India and Germany.

The Indian Navy spokesperson wrote on X, "As leadership interactions progressed at Visakhapatnam, VAdm Tarun Sobti, DCNS, engaged with VAdm Axel Deertz, Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces. The interaction highlighted avenues for enhanced cooperation, professional exchanges, and sustained maritime engagements, with continued interactions during MILAN 2026. The presence of the German Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft reflected growing operational convergence and interoperability between the two navies."

VAdm Tarun Sobti also met Maldives' Commandant of the Coast Guard, Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, to further reinforce the resolve to promote regional maritime security.

The Indian Navy spokesperson said, "Underscoring the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, VAdm Tarun Sobti, DCNS, engaged in a bilateral meeting with Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant Coast Guard, MNDF, Republic of Maldives."

"The interaction highlighted the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Maldives, focusing on advancing cooperation and broadening professional exchanges. Continued engagements during MILAN 2026 further reinforced the shared resolve to promote regional maritime security and stability. The participation of the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee reflected Maldives' commitment to enhancing interoperability and deepening collaborative efforts at sea," the Indian Navy added on X.

Earlier, at International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, the Indian Navy showcased multi-domain operational capability through search and rescue drills, operational readiness demonstrations by MARCOS, and dynamic maritime manoeuvres. Iconic platforms, including INS Vikrant and the Indian Navy, were showcased to highlight India's combat preparedness and indigenous maritime power.

The IFR 2026, one of the largest naval events in independent India, is set to feature 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships, with representation from 65 nations during the Exercise MILAN.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The scale of MILAN 2026 with 65 nations participating is truly impressive. It shows India's growing stature as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific. Well done to the Indian Navy for hosting such a massive event.
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Vikram M
While the engagement with Germany is positive, I hope our focus remains on our immediate neighborhood. The meeting with the Maldivian Coast Guard commander is crucial given recent geopolitical shifts. Our maritime security starts at home.
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Priya S
Seeing INS Vikrant showcased fills me with pride! It's a symbol of our indigenous defence capabilities. More power to our Navy and the hardworking men and women who serve. 🙏
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Rohit P
Good strategic move. Building interoperability with advanced navies like Germany's helps us learn and adapt. The Indian Ocean is our backyard, and we must be the primary security guarantors there.
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Michael C
As an observer, this is a clear sign of India's proactive foreign policy. Engaging with both European and regional partners simultaneously shows a balanced and mature diplomatic approach.
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Ananya R
The article mentions 'sustained maritime engagements'. I hope this translates to more joint training and technology sharing, not just high-level meetings. Practical outcomes matter for our sailors' safety and operational effectiveness.

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

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