SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Defence | Indian Navy
India will simultaneously host three high-profile maritime events in Visakhapatnam from 15–25 February 2026: the International Fleet Review 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
This is the first time India will conduct all three events concurrently—a move designed to showcase its maritime leadership, strengthen regional naval cooperation, and boost the strategic role of Visakhapatnam as a maritime hub.
International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR 2026): This is a grand naval showcase where warships, submarines and support vessels from India and partner nations assemble at sea and port. The 2026 edition will feature a presidential fleet review by the President of India, display of India’s indigenous platforms (like INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates, Kalvari-class submarines) and visiting warships from invited navies.
Exercise MILAN 2026: This is a biennial multilateral naval exercise involving regional navies. In 2026, it will include harbour and sea phases where participating navies engage in joint manoeuvres, tactical operations, humanitarian assistance training, and professional exchanges—enhancing interoperability and regional maritime cooperation.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs 2026 (IONS Conclave): This is a high-level strategic forum of naval chiefs and senior maritime leadership from the Indian Ocean region. The 2026 Conclave will bring these leaders together to discuss maritime-domain issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, maritime domain awareness, and collaborative governance in the Indo-Pacific.
This move underlines India’s growing capacity and ambition in naval diplomacy, maritime security, and regional maritime architecture. It also aligns with India’s initiatives under the Blue Economy and Indo-Pacific strategic frameworks, leveraging maritime infrastructure and international cooperation for national security and geostrategic influence.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy translate this event-hosting opportunity into local industry mobilisation, and enhanced readiness of Indian shipyards and coastal infrastructure?
Follow the full news here: Indian Navy to Host Three Major International Maritime Events