Visakhapatnam, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tirpathi, engaged in discussions with the head of the Russian Navy at the International Fleet Review held here on Wednesday.

As per the spokesperson of the Indian Navy, the CNS interacted with Admiral Aleksandr Alekseevich Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.

This dialogue underscored the enduring nature of India–Russia naval cooperation, emphasizing ongoing operational interactions, interoperability, and professional exchanges, solidified through frameworks like the RELOS Agreement and initiatives such as Exercise INDRA Navy, the spokesperson noted on ‘X’.

In addition to the robust operational and professional exchanges at Visakhapatnam, Admiral Tripathi also met with Adm Pairote Fuangchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy.

The discussions focused on enhancing operational collaborations, including Exercise Ayutthaya, coordinated patrols (CORPATs), and the Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX, along with ongoing efforts to improve information sharing for Maritime Domain Awareness.

Demonstrating the close maritime ties between neighboring navies, the CNS also interacted with VAdm Kanchana Banagoda, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

This meeting highlighted sustained operational linkages, ongoing capacity building initiatives, and cooperation bolstered through events such as Exercise SLINEX, alongside regular training and professional exchanges.

Furthermore, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Tarun Sobti, met with VAdm Axel Deertz, Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces.

This engagement revealed opportunities for enhanced cooperation, professional exchanges, and ongoing maritime collaborations, with continued interactions planned for MILAN 2026.

The presence of the German Navy's P-8 maritime patrol aircraft indicated a growing operational synergy and interoperability between the two navies, as noted by the Navy spokesperson.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region, DCNS VAdm Tarun Sobti held a bilateral meeting with Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant Coast Guard, MNDF, Republic of Maldives.

This interaction reaffirmed the strong maritime partnership between India and the Maldives, centered on advancing cooperation and expanding professional exchanges. Continued engagements during MILAN 2026 further solidified the shared commitment to enhance regional maritime security and stability. The participation of the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee demonstrated the Maldives’ dedication to improving interoperability and deepening collaborative efforts at sea.

The International Fleet Review 2026 was executed off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, with representation from 74 countries.

President Droupadi Murmu observed the assembled fleet from the INS Sumedha, an indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessel. According to the Ministry of Defence, 66 Indian and 19 foreign ships participated, along with three Indian Navy submarines and over 60 aircraft.

The Indian Navy showcased its multi-domain operational capabilities through Search & Rescue drills, operational readiness demonstrations by MARCOS, and dynamic maritime maneuvers. Iconic platforms such as the INS Vikrant and Indian Navy submarines highlighted India’s combat readiness and indigenous maritime strength.