Visakhapatnam, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Indian Navy conducted a series of high-level bilateral discussions with naval leaders from various partner countries during the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 in Visakhapatnam, showcasing India’s expanding maritime cooperation globally.

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Indian Navy chief, met with Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, the chief of the South African Navy. Their discussions highlighted the strong trajectory of bilateral naval collaboration, encompassing Exercise IBSAMAR, reciprocal port visits, operational sea training, and improved information sharing for Maritime Domain Awareness. The presence of SAS Amatola showcased South Africa’s significant involvement in IFR 2026.

Moreover, the CNS interacted with Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian Navy, focusing on enhancing operational cooperation through port visits and training exchanges. They reaffirmed their engagement under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), including working group collaborations and the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX).

In another meeting, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, engaged with Major General Michael Rosette, chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces. Their dialogue emphasized ongoing operational engagement, regular port calls by Indian Navy vessels, Seychelles’ participation through PS Zoroaster, and collaboration in training and hydrographic areas, alongside sustained cooperation under the SAGAR initiative.

Additionally, Vice Admiral Swaminathan met Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, the commander of the Kenya Navy, discussing ways to enhance operational interactions, training cooperation, and information sharing. Their talks noted the deployment of a Kenyan Navy liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

The Western Naval Command chief also engaged with Commodore Floyd P. Moxey, commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, to deliberate on capacity building and training support.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, conversed with Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), examining opportunities for enhanced cooperation following the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership established in January 2026.

These interactions collectively emphasize India’s dedication to fortifying maritime partnerships and fostering security, stability, and cooperation throughout the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR 2026) is a significant international maritime exercise, hosted and conducted by the Indian Navy on behalf of the President in February 2026, aimed at strengthening relations with other regional navies.

The IFR 2026, along with MILAN, represents the largest maritime assembly hosted by India since its independence.