Amaravati, December 04, 2025: Visakhapatnam is poised to become a global beacon of maritime collaboration as the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) gears up to host three landmark events from February 15 to 25, 2026 the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in what Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, ENC's Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, described as the "largest assembly of maritime forces and naval leadership ever organized in the country at a single location.
" With commitments from 61 nations, including 23 foreign warships and two aircraft carriers, the convergence embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, extending India's SAGAR doctrine to foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise MILAN, in its 13th edition themed "Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration," runs from February 19 to 25, with an Opening Ceremony on the 19th, an International Maritime Seminar on the 19th and 20th, a Harbour Phase for professional exchanges, and a Sea Phase from the 21st to 25th for multinational drills.
The IONS Conclave, under India's second Chairmanship (2026-28), convenes naval chiefs from 25 member nations, seven observers, and nine invitees on February 20 to deliberate on regional security. Bhalla emphasised the synergy: "These events will enhance interoperability and capacity-building, strengthening maritime ties in the Indian Ocean."
