13th Edition of Navel Exercise MILAN 2026

13th Edition of Navel Exercise MILAN 2026

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Navy concluded the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, marking its largest-ever iteration with 74 participating nations. 

Exercise MILAN 2026

• Venue: The 13th edition of Exercise MILAN 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026. 

• • • The exercise was formally inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
  • Participation: The exercise hosted 74 participating nations. This record-breaking attendance established MILAN 2026 as the largest maritime congregation in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Debutants: Philippines, Germany and the UAE sent physical assets for the first time. Their presence signals a growing global commitment to a rules-based maritime order.
  • Theme: The official theme — “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration” — underpinned every activity, emphasizing collaborative operations, professional exchanges, and interoperability.
  • Fleet: A total of 42 warships and submarines and 29 aircraft/helicopters took part, including 18 warships from friendly foreign navies and maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany, the USA and others. 
    • India deployed its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to lead the complex naval maneuvers in the Bay of Bengal.
  • Synergy: The event coincided with the International Fleet Review (IFR). This rare convergence allowed the President of India to review a massive line-up of 71 vessels.
  • Leadership: India assumed the IONS Chairmanship for 2025–2027. This transition occurred during the Conclave of Chiefs, placing the Indian Navy at the center of regional policy.

• Multi-Phase: 

• • Harbour Phase — professional engagements, bilateral talks, International Maritime Seminar, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and cultural interactions.
  • Sea Phase — high intensity operational drills such as integrated air defence, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), maritime interdiction, cross-deck flying and live firing drills.
• Outreach: The International City Parade took place at RK Beach. Thousands of civilians watched MARCOS commandos perform skydiving and combat beaching displays.
• Innovation: India demonstrated its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). This capability highlights India’s role as a Net Security Provider for submarine rescue in the Indian Ocean.
• Diplomacy: The Indian Navy inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command to foster cultural exchange and camaraderie during the exercise. 
• Conclusion: The Closing Ceremony occurred on February 25 aboard INS Vikrant. Rear Admiral Alok Ananda praised the seamless integration achieved by the 74-nation force.

Significance of Milan Exercise

• Policy: Exercise MILAN supported India’s Look East Policy (1990s) historically. India used MILAN to enhance ASEAN maritime engagement through naval diplomacy. Later, the exercise aligned with Act East Policy and strengthened India’s Indo-Pacific outreach framework.
• Participants: MILAN expanded from 4 navies in 1995 to 17 nations by 2014 and 42 countries in 2022. The steady rise showed increasing international confidence in India’s maritime leadership. This growth reflected MILAN’s long-term diplomatic success. 
• IOR: MILAN enhanced cooperation among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littoral states historically. Island nations from the Western IOR joined later editions. The exercise improved regional dialogue on shared maritime challenges. 
• Trade: MILAN promotes the security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). Nearly 60,000 ships pass Malacca Strait annually carrying about 30% global trade. Participating navies focused on protecting these critical maritime routes.
• Initiatives: MILAN supports India’s SAGAR Initiative (2015) and MAHASAGAR initiative. The exercise enables discussion on anti-piracy, maritime security, and joint patrols. It institutionalized cooperative frameworks among partner navies.