Is Rajnath Singh Inaugurating MILAN 2026 with 70 Nations Joining a Landmark Naval Exercise in Visakhapatnam?
Synopsis
Join us as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially launches the MILAN 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, with participation from 70 nations. This significant event aims to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability among navies, marking a milestone in India's naval engagements.
Key Takeaways
MILAN 2026 is a significant multilateral naval exercise.
It marks the participation of 70 countries .
The event aims to enhance naval interoperability .
There are advanced drills planned in various operations.
It highlights India's growing role in global maritime affairs .
Visakhapatnam, Feb 19 (NationPress) The multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 will see its formal inauguration by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday at the Samudrika Auditorium within the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam.
On this noteworthy occasion, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, will also be in attendance. Previously, on February 15, the MILAN Village was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The harbour phase of MILAN 2026 commenced on Wednesday, featuring cultural performances and a formal dinner for participating delegates in the evening.
Ahead of the official inauguration, a two-day international maritime seminar is set to kick off on Thursday.
The sea phase of MILAN 2026 is planned to begin on February 21 and will run until February 25. Both the harbour and sea phases are crafted to boost interoperability among the participating navies, enhance maritime domain awareness, and conduct advanced drills in areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
This exercise aims to unite the navies of allied nations to strengthen professional relationships, share operational best practices, and broaden maritime cooperation.
The operational aspects of the exercise will focus on extensive, multilateral maritime operations, granting participating forces significant experience in operating as a united and systematic maritime group.
Launched by the Indian Navy in 1995, MILAN is a biennial naval engagement that started with just four regional countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The event was initially in line with India's 'Look East Policy', which evolved into the 'Act East' policy and the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The inaugural edition took place at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Over the years, the exercise has significantly expanded in scope, moving from basic interoperability drills to more complex, high-intensity warfare scenarios, including anti-submarine and anti-air operations, showcasing India's growing maritime presence.
Although traditionally hosted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the venue shifted to Visakhapatnam in 2020 due to its superior naval infrastructure. While 42 nations took part in the 2022 edition, the current edition features participation from 70 countries, highlighting a considerable expansion in its global reach.
Point of View
It's pivotal to recognize the strategic importance of MILAN 2026. This multilateral naval exercise not only strengthens India's maritime partnerships but also enhances regional security and cooperation in international waters. The participation of 70 countries is a testament to India's growing influence in global maritime affairs.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inaugurated MILAN 2026?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially inaugurated MILAN 2026 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.
How many countries are participating in MILAN 2026?
Seventy nations are participating in the ongoing MILAN 2026 exercise, marking a significant increase from previous editions.
What are the main objectives of MILAN 2026?
The main objectives include enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and conducting advanced drills in various naval operations.
When does the sea phase of MILAN 2026 start?
The sea phase of MILAN 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 21 and will conclude on February 25.
