India Showcases Naval Power at International Fleet Review 2026
In a significant demonstration of its growing naval capabilities, India officially inaugurated the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The event, attended by representatives from 74 countries, marks the beginning of a series of maritime engagements aimed at enhancing international naval cooperation.
President Droupadi Murmu, in her role as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, presided over the ceremonial review hosted by India’s Eastern Naval Command in the Bay of Bengal. The IFR is the first of three high-profile maritime events, including the upcoming multilateral MILAN 2026 naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
This year’s review features participation from over 100 countries, highlighting India’s ambition to establish itself as a central maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region amid escalating strategic competition and security challenges at sea.
Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
The IFR 2026 has seen the Indian Navy engage with naval forces from 21 foreign nations, including Australia, Japan, and the United States, among others. This interaction underscores India’s expanding network of maritime partnerships, crucial for addressing shared security concerns. As part of the review, President Murmu observed formations of Indian naval vessels alongside foreign ships and aircraft, showcasing the diversity and capabilities of the participating fleets.
Images from the event depict President Murmu reviewing the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, which symbolizes the nation’s push towards self-reliance in defense capabilities. The carrier, commissioned in 2022, is a pivotal asset in India’s naval operations, emphasizing the strategic importance of indigenous shipbuilding.
Naval Strength and Self-Reliance
India’s last International Fleet Review was held in 2016, and its return to Visakhapatnam this year illustrates a substantial evolution in the country’s naval posture. Recent years have seen India accelerate its efforts to bolster maritime capabilities, largely in response to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
The showcase included nearly 100 vessels, comprising aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, submarines, and naval aviation assets. This scale of participation not only highlights the strength of the Indian Navy but also its increasing convening power within the maritime domain.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing participants, emphasized the need for international collaboration to tackle complex maritime challenges, including piracy, cyber vulnerabilities, and illegal fishing. “When our ships sail together, we build a shared understanding that transcends geography and politics,” Singh remarked, reinforcing the importance of joint naval exercises.
Looking Ahead: MILAN 2026 and Beyond
As the MILAN 2026 exercises take place until February 26, 2026, India’s eastern seaboard is set to remain a focal point for naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. This series of events signals New Delhi’s commitment to enhancing its role as a major player in global maritime affairs.
The ongoing modernization efforts in the Indian Navy are closely tied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a “self-reliant” India, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence.
Though, challenges persist, particularly in maintaining operational readiness across a diverse fleet that incorporates systems from various countries, including Russia, Israel, and France. As such, logistical and maintenance issues will require careful management as India navigates its future naval ambitions.
With the international community increasingly recognizing India’s maritime potential, the upcoming exercises and partnerships will be critical in shaping the maritime security landscape of the region.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on India’s naval advancements and the implications for regional security in the comments below.