India will host three major international maritime events in Feb 2026 at Visakhapatnam, namely, the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, scheduled to be conducted from 15 to 25 February, 2026.
This marks India’s maiden conduct of these major maritime events simultaneously.
According to the Indian Navy, the event realises the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), announced in 2025.
MAHASAGAR extends India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) philosophy from the Indian Ocean to across regions, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and collective responsibility of the maritime commons.
The February 2026 convergence is a major operational manifestation of this vision, demonstrating India’s commitment to being a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ for all friends and partners.
Invitations have been extended to navies from across the globe to participate in this historic gathering at Visakhapatnam, India’s eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command.
The event will reflect India’s commitment to free, open and inclusive seas, anchored in strategic frameworks including MAHASAGAR, the Act East Policy, IONS, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The event will feature a Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by the President of India, showcasing indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant (India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes—reflecting India’s transformation into a ‘Builder’s Navy’.
The Indian Navy ships would be joined by a diverse congregation of ships from friendly foreign countries, the Indian Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines.
Exercise MILAN’s Sea and Harbour Phases will focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations. The International City Parade will feature contingents from participating navies, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force marching through Visakhapatnam’s iconic beachfront, the RK Beach, showcasing maritime diplomacy directly to citizens.
An International Maritime Seminar will gather maritime strategists, defence officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues including maritime collaboration, technology and humanitarian support. The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, during which the Indian Navy would assume Chairmanship for the second time (2025-2027), will bring together Naval Chiefs from 25 members, 9 observers, and specially invited nations to deliberate on maritime security, HADR, and information sharing.
India’s IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition hosting 20 foreign navies and reached greater heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR welcoming navies from around the world.
Exercise MILAN, launched in 1995 with four navies at Port Blair, has evolved into a premier Multilateral Exercise with partner navies across the globe participating in 2024. India’s forthcoming IONS Chairmanship and the MAHASAGAR vision reinforce its role as a convenor of regional maritime security cooperation. Visakhapatnam’s proven infrastructure, strategic location, and maritime museums make it an ideal host.
Coordinated preparations by the Indian Navy along with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture at national level, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, local administration at the state level would ensure seamless execution of this landmark convergence. Significant economic benefits for the region are anticipated through hospitality, tourism, and service sector activities during the event.
This convergence transforms naval tradition into strategic cooperation, turning this grand spectacle into meaningful diplomacy and operational synergy. It would strengthen India’s position as a responsible maritime power committed to mutual advancement, holistic security, and growth across regions.
As per Times of India, Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), also confirmed the development and said 2026 will witness a historic convergence at Visakhapatnam with three major naval events, marking the largest such gatherings in India’s history.
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Vice-Admiral Bhalla unfurled the national flag at the naval base and reviewed a ceremonial parade comprising over 500 personnel drawn from ships, submarines, air squadrons, shore establishments, the Defence Security Corps, and the Sea Cadet Corps.
As per TOI, in his address, Bhalla said, “The Navy symbolises India’s maritime strength and resilience, sustaining high operational tempo through bilateral and multilateral exercises.” He highlighted that in 2025, ENC ships visited 20 foreign ports, including Suva in Fiji and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
Combat readiness was maintained through major exercises such as TROPEX, AMPHEX, Jal Prahar, and Trishul‑25, while coastal security was strengthened via Sea Vigil, Sagar Kavach, Operation Sentinel, Operation Prasthan, and Sajag.
He also noted the induction of six state-of-the-art warships in 2025, enhancing anti-submarine and rescue capabilities, with the commissioning of Taragiri (Nilgiri-class frigate) and Anjadip (ASW shallow water craft) expected soon. Stressing the importance of maritime strength amid global strategic competition, he urged readiness for Phase-II of Operation Sindhu.
The IFR, scheduled for February 2026, will feature foreign naval ships, two aircraft carriers, and contingents from 20 countries, with the President of India reviewing the fleet on February 18.
Exercise MILAN‑26 will focus on interoperability, while the International City Parade and maritime conclave will celebrate camaraderie and provide a platform to deliberate on contemporary maritime issues under India’s chairmanship.
