Global coverage at a glance: breaking international headlines, geopolitical insights, regional developments, and on‑the‑ground reports from every continent.
The Indian Navy commenced the multinational maritime exercise Milan-26 in Visakhapatnam on February 14, 2026, bringing together naval forces from over 50 countries. The exercise, a flagship event for India’s maritime diplomacy, is occurring alongside the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), creating a “naval trifecta” for the region.
Milan-26 focuses on enhancing interoperability and fostering camaraderie among participating navies. The exercise includes both harbor and sea phases, with a focus on professional exchanges, expert discussions and practical drills covering areas such as maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This iteration of Milan is particularly significant as it demonstrates India’s growing capacity to host and coordinate large-scale multinational naval events.
The concurrent IFR provides an opportunity for participating navies to showcase their capabilities and strengthen relationships. The IONS conclave, also taking place in Visakhapatnam, is dedicated to enhancing maritime security and regional cooperation among littoral states in the Indian Ocean region. The Malaysian Reserve reported that IONS 2026 aims to address shared challenges and promote a rules-based maritime order.
The concentration of these three major naval events in Visakhapatnam underscores India’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence.newsd.in highlights the logistical complexity of hosting all three events simultaneously, demonstrating India’s organizational prowess and infrastructure development. The events collectively serve as a platform for India to project its influence and strengthen its partnerships with key maritime nations.
According to The Diplomat, Milan’s evolution reflects India’s maturing maritime diplomacy. What began as a bilateral exercise with a handful of nations has grown into a major multilateral event, attracting participation from countries across the globe. This expansion signifies India’s increasing role as a leading maritime power and its commitment to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment.
The Indian Navy has not yet released details regarding specific operational outcomes or agreements reached during the events. The IONS conclave is expected to conclude with a joint declaration outlining areas for future cooperation, but the text of that declaration remains undisclosed. The IFR will continue with a fleet review and a series of receptions for visiting naval personnel.