New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) India is set to host three significant international maritime events in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, including the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. These events are scheduled from February 15-25, marking India's first simultaneous hosting of these major maritime gatherings.

The initiative embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which was unveiled in 2025.

As per officials, the convergence in February 2026 serves as a significant operational demonstration of this vision, highlighting India's commitment to being a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ for its allies.

Importantly, invitations have been sent out to navies worldwide to join this landmark event at Visakhapatnam, recognized as India's eastern maritime gateway and the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

The assembly will showcase India's dedication to maintaining free, open, and inclusive seas, rooted in strategic initiatives such as MAHASAGAR, the Act East Policy, IONS, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

The gathering will include a Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by President Droupadi Murmu, featuring indigenous assets like INS Vikrant (India's first home-built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes, illustrating India's evolution into a 'Builder's Navy'.

Additionally, the Indian Navy will be accompanied by a diverse array of ships from allied nations, the Indian Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Exercise MILAN will include Sea and Harbour Phases that focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and search-and-rescue operations.

The International City Parade will feature contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and the Indian Air Force marching along Visakhapatnam’s iconic RK Beach, showcasing maritime diplomacy to citizens.

The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, during which the Indian Navy will assume Chairmanship for the second time (2025-2027), will convene Naval Chiefs from 25 member nations, 9 observers, and specially invited countries to discuss maritime security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and information sharing.

It is worth noting that India's IFR tradition commenced with the 2001 edition in Mumbai, which hosted 20 foreign navies and reached new heights with the 2016 IFR in Visakhapatnam, welcoming navies from around the globe.

Exercise MILAN, which began in 1995 with four navies at Port Blair, has now transformed into a leading Multilateral Exercise, with partner navies participating globally in 2024.