Visakhapatnam, Feb 19 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Thursday that collaboration among navies is essential to effectively tackle challenges such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking, cyber vulnerabilities, and interruptions to key supply chains.

At the launch of the multilateral naval exercise 'MILAN 2026' here, the Defence Minister emphasized that these unique responsibilities compel the international community to unite in managing challenges cooperatively and to operate in a spirit of mutual respect.

He noted that climate change is exacerbating natural disasters, leading to more frequent and demanding humanitarian and disaster relief operations. “No single navy, no matter how capable, can confront these challenges alone. Thus, collaboration among navies is not just an option; it is a necessity,” he remarked.

MILAN 2026 aims to enhance interoperability among the navies of partner nations, improve professional skills through the exchange of experiences and practices, and strengthen friendships among participants, fostering bonds of mutual benefit, he added.

Rajnath Singh mentioned that through joint naval exercises, professional interactions during these gatherings, and cultural exchanges, “we reaffirm our commitment to forging a lasting friendship.”

“We aim to establish a fair maritime order grounded in international rules and freedom of navigation as per international law,” he stated.

MILAN brings that shared vision into practice. “Today, we advance that cohesive spirit and maritime momentum from ceremony to action as we decisively transition into the operational aspects of maritime engagement through MILAN,” he said.

The Defence Minister noted that this year, with the participation of 74 nations, MILAN 2026 is the largest and most inclusive edition to date, reflecting the confidence the global maritime community has in India as a trusted and responsible maritime ally.

He asserted, “As a genuine Vishwa-Mitra or a reliable global friend, we will persist in playing a constructive and dependable role in the region.”

“We believe that comprehensive maritime security and mutual prosperity are interconnected and can only be attained through collaboration, trust, and shared commitments among like-minded nations,” said Rajnath Singh.

The sea phase of MILAN 2026 is set to commence on February 21 and will conclude on February 25. Both the harbour and sea phases are designed to enhance interoperability among participating navies, bolster maritime domain awareness, and conduct advanced drills in anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.

The exercise aims to unite the navies of friendly nations to deepen professional ties, exchange operational best practices, and broaden maritime cooperation.

First initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995, MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval engagement that commenced with the involvement of four regional countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.