What Happened
- India is hosting three concurrent major maritime events -- the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs -- from February 15-25, 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
- Over 55 countries, including the United States, Russia, and Iran, have confirmed participation, with 90+ warships and 45 aircraft assembling at the Eastern seaboard.
- President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to review the fleet on February 18, 2026.
- Exercise MILAN, in its 13th edition, is being conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, with invitations extended to over 135 countries.
- This marks the first time India is simultaneously hosting three major international maritime events, making it one of the largest maritime gatherings in Indian naval history.
Static Topic Bridges
International Fleet Review (IFR) -- History and Significance
A fleet review is a ceremonial inspection of naval vessels by the head of state, serving as both a display of maritime strength and a platform for naval diplomacy. India has a tradition of domestic President's Fleet Reviews dating back to 1953, but has hosted only two previous international editions -- IFR 2001 in Mumbai (29 countries, 97 ships, theme: "Bridges of Friendship") and IFR 2016 in Visakhapatnam (50 navies, 95 warships, theme: "United through Oceans").
- IFR 2001: First international edition, held in Mumbai, commemorated 50th anniversary of the Republic
- IFR 2016: Second edition, held in Visakhapatnam, 50 navies participated
- IFR 2026: Third and largest edition, 55+ countries, 90+ ships, co-hosted with MILAN and IONS
Connection to this news: IFR 2026 represents a significant scaling-up from previous editions, reflecting India's growing maritime ambitions and its desire to position itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
Exercise MILAN -- India's Multilateral Naval Engagement
MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise conceived by the Indian Navy in 1995 at the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Originally aligned with India's "Look East Policy," it has evolved under the "Act East Policy" and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative to include wider Indian Ocean Region participation.
- Inception: 1995, with navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
- MILAN 2022: Shifted from Port Blair to Visakhapatnam for the first time
- MILAN 2024: 47 countries participated, India deployed two aircraft carriers
- MILAN 2026: 13th edition, invitations to 135+ countries, conducted February 18-25
- Objectives: Operational skill-building, doctrinal learning, interoperability among friendly navies
Connection to this news: The co-hosting of MILAN with IFR 2026 amplifies India's maritime outreach, consolidating its role as a convener of Indian Ocean security cooperation.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
IONS is a voluntary initiative conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 to enhance maritime cooperation among navies of Indian Ocean littoral states. It provides an inclusive forum for discussion on regionally relevant maritime issues, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
- Founded: 2008, by the Indian Navy
- Members: 25 member nations and 9 observers, organized into four sub-regions (South Asian, West Asian, East African, Southeast Asian/Australian littorals)
- Chairmanship rotates: India (2008-10), UAE (2010-12), South Africa (2012-14), Australia (2014-16), Bangladesh (2016-18), Iran (2018-21)
- India is scheduled to chair IONS from 2025-27
- Functions: Maritime security dialogue, HADR coordination, capacity building
Connection to this news: The IONS Conclave of Chiefs at Visakhapatnam, held alongside IFR 2026, underscores India's leadership of the forum during its current chairmanship and its broader vision of cooperative maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
SAGAR Doctrine -- India's Indian Ocean Strategy
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is India's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during a visit to Mauritius. It frames India's approach as a collaborative rather than hegemonic maritime power.
- Announced: March 2015, in Mauritius
- Five pillars: Safeguarding land and maritime territory; deepening economic and security cooperation; collective action for peace and security; cooperation for sustainable development; integration of the Indian Ocean Region
- Complements Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy
- Operationalized through exercises like MILAN, capacity building programs, and white shipping agreements
Connection to this news: The simultaneous hosting of IFR, MILAN, and IONS at Visakhapatnam is a practical manifestation of the SAGAR doctrine, demonstrating India's commitment to inclusive maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean.
Key Facts & Data
- IFR 2026 dates: February 15-25, 2026, Visakhapatnam
- Participating nations: 55+ confirmed (out of 135+ invited)
- Naval assets: 90+ ships, 45 aircraft
- Presidential Fleet Review: February 18, 2026
- Previous IFRs: 2001 (Mumbai, 29 countries), 2016 (Visakhapatnam, 50 navies)
- Exercise MILAN: 13th edition, biennial since 1995
- IONS: 25 members, 9 observers, India currently chairs (2025-27)
- First time three major maritime events hosted simultaneously in India