By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Indian Navy has commenced the much-anticipated MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, drawing warships and naval chiefs from across the globe in a powerful display of maritime solidarity.
Held under the theme “United through Oceans: Camaraderie, Cooperation and Collaboration,” the twin events underscore India’s growing maritime footprint and commitment to collective security in the Indian Ocean Region.
MILAN, a Hindi word for conference, is a biennial multilateral naval exercise that brings together dozens of navies for professional exchanges, sea drills and high-level strategic engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual trust.
According to highlights made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Indian Navy on Sunday inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command as part of the flagship exercise.
The ceremonial opening was presided over by Vice Adm. Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, who formally declared the village open and toured facilities designed to foster global maritime engagement.
Conceptualised as an immersive experience zone, the MILAN Village brings together delegates and naval personnel from more than 70 countries in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship, promoting social and cultural exchanges alongside professional naval cooperation.
A key highlight of the village is its cultural showcase, featuring live vocal performances, traditional folk dances and cultural ensembles reflecting India’s diverse heritage.
Stalls displaying naval memorabilia, handicrafts and handloom products from across the country have also been set up, while delegates and visitors are being treated to a wide range of Indian cuisine representing regional flavours.
Beyond the cultural engagements, MILAN 2026 features a structured harbour phase and a sea phase.
Activities lined up include a grand opening ceremony, a Chiefs of Navies’ Conclave, maritime seminar, subject matter expert exchanges, operational planning discussions, table-top exercises and cross-deck visits.
Participating ships will engage in coordinated tactical manoeuvres, communication drills, anti-air and anti-surface exercises, search and rescue simulations, seamanship evolutions and other operational demonstrations aimed at strengthening cohesion at sea.
The International Fleet Review will culminate in a ceremonial fleet line-up and sail past to be reviewed by India’s top leadership, serving as both a symbolic and strategic expression of naval diplomacy.
Organisers said MILAN has evolved from a modest regional initiative into one of the largest naval congregations in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s expanding role as a net security provider and champion of a rules-based maritime order.
The Indian Navy said the scale of participation and operational depth of engagements signal a renewed push for collaborative maritime security amid shifting global power dynamics and emerging threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing and humanitarian crises.
International delegates at the events also include a team of 28 Defence Journalists from 25 countries, including Nigeria, who are expected to participate in and report on the historic gathering.
The events are expected to culminate in coordinated sea drills and a ceremonial fleet review, projecting unity and shared resolve among participating nations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
