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India Hosts Largest Naval Fleet Review with 71 Ships, 65 Nations at Milan

India is conducting one of its largest naval events, the International Fleet Review, in Visakhapatnam with participation from 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships. The concurrent Milan multilateral naval exercise has seen remarkable growth, now involving 65 navies from across the globe. The event features an International City Parade with foreign bands and contingents, and includes the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This showcase strengthens international naval cooperation and aligns with broader strategic maritime initiatives, with India set to host three major maritime events simultaneously in 2026.

Key Points: India's Mega Naval Fleet Review: 71 Ships, 65 Nations Participate

  • 71 ships including 19 foreign warships in IFR
  • Milan exercise involves 65 global navies
  • INS Vikrant to feature in the grand review
  • International City Parade with 45 contingents on Beach Road
  • India to host three major maritime events simultaneously in 2026
2 min read

India's largest International Fleet Review event to feature 71 ships; Milan exercise to see participation from 65 navies

India hosts its largest International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam with 71 ships and Milan exercise with 65 navies, showcasing maritime strength.

"strengthening international naval cooperation and showcasing India's maritime capabilities - Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla"

Visakhapatnam, February 15

The International Fleet Review, one of the largest naval events in independent India, is set to witness participation of 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships, with representation from 65 nations during the Milan exercise.

Ahead of the mega maritime event, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, shared key details regarding the scale and preparations for the review.

The IFR will be reviewed by the President at sea on February 18. A total of 71 ships will be participating in the event, arranged in six lines, including 19 foreign warships and 45 vessels from the Indian Navy. The remaining ships comprise the Coast Guard, Merchant Navy, and research vessels.

The Milan exercises, which began in 1995 with just four countries, have now expanded to involve 65 navies worldwide. India is set to host Milan 2026 once again.

As part of the IFR celebrations, an International City Parade will also take place along Visakhapatnam's Beach Road on the evening of February 19. Seven to eight foreign bands will also perform in the event, with 45 contingents participating in the parade.

Notably, INS Vikrant has already arrived in Visakhapatnam and will be part of this grand IFR.

India's IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition, which hosted 20 foreign navies, and reached new heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR, which welcomed navies from around the world.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla emphasised the scale and significance of this event in strengthening international naval cooperation and showcasing India's maritime capabilities.

The mega event will mark a key step in operationalising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of MAHASAGAR, while highlighting India's indigenous naval capabilities and its commitment to being a Preferred Security Partner across regions.

India will host three major international maritime events in Feb 2026 at Visakhapatnam, namely, the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, scheduled to be conducted from 15 to 25 Feb 2026. This marks India's first simultaneous hosting of these major maritime events.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Vizag, the city is buzzing with excitement! The International City Parade on Beach Road is going to be spectacular. It's wonderful to see our beautiful port city hosting such a prestigious global event.
V
Vikram M
While the scale is impressive, I hope the substantial funds spent are justified by tangible outcomes. These events should translate into stronger security partnerships and technology sharing, not just ceremonial displays. The real test is in 2026 when we host three major events simultaneously.
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Priya S
The growth of the Milan exercise is a testament to India's rising stature as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. 65 nations participating sends a strong message about collective maritime security. Well done Indian Navy!
R
Rohit P
Indigenous capabilities on full display! From our own aircraft carrier to other Made-in-India warships, this IFR showcases our Aatmanirbhar Bharat progress in defence. The world is taking notice of our shipbuilding prowess.
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Michael C
The strategic importance of this cannot be overstated. In today's geopolitics, maritime cooperation is crucial for trade routes and regional stability. Hosting such a large fleet review positions India as a key maritime power.

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

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