Exercise MILAN 2026 is the 13th edition of the Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral naval exercise, scheduled from 18–25 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal. With invitations to 135+ countries and participation from over 70 navies, it is one of the largest naval gatherings in the world.
The exercise aims to strengthen naval diplomacy, enhance interoperability through multi-domain operations, and promote the sharing of best practices in maritime security and disaster response, while highlighting India’s MAHASAGAR vision of collective maritime cooperation.
Key highlights include the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, the MILAN Naval Exercise, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs, making Visakhapatnam a major global naval hub. The MILAN Village adds a cultural dimension, blending professional engagement with cultural diplomacy.
Strategically, MILAN 2026 reinforces India’s role as a key Indo-Pacific maritime power, strengthens regional and global naval partnerships, and demonstrates collective preparedness against emerging maritime threats.
