Visakhapatnam Unites Three Major Naval Events as India Showcases Indigenous Carrier
Updated (5 articles)
Visakhapatnam Hosts Three Simultaneous Maritime Events Feb 15‑25 The Indian government staged the International Fleet Review, the biennial Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs from 15 to 25 February 2026, marking the first time all three have been co‑located. More than 70 nations sent ships, aircraft and cultural delegations, creating the largest combined maritime gathering in the region. The schedule integrated ceremonial parades, live‑fire drills and high‑level naval chief meetings, underscoring India’s role as a hub for Indo‑Pacific security cooperation [1].
President Murmu Reviews Fleet of 71 Warships On 18 February the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, embarked aboard the presidential yacht INS Sumedha to review a formation of 71 warships, including 45 Indian Navy vessels and 19 foreign ships. The review featured the sail‑training ship INS Tarangini and the indigenously built carrier INS Vikrant as Indian flagships, while foreign participants included Australia’s HMAS Warramunga and Russia’s destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov. Air assets such as P8i patrol aircraft and six MIG‑29K fighters performed fly‑overs, and Marine Commandos demonstrated sea‑chase and rescue drills in front of the presidential yacht [3].
INS Vikrant Serves as Indigenous Carrier Flagship The 45,000‑tonne carrier INS Vikrant anchored 12 nautical miles off Visakhapatnam during the IFR and MILAN‑2026 exhibitions, positioning it among roughly 70 warships from partner navies. Officials highlighted the vessel as proof of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” naval self‑reliance, placing the country among only five or six nations operating such carriers. Vikrant now leads one of two Indian carrier battle groups, expanding blue‑water reach for power projection, humanitarian assistance and deterrence under the Prime Minister’s SAGAR initiative [2].
Multinational Participation Highlights Global Naval Presence The International City Parade on 19 February showcased maritime strength and cultural diversity, with more than 70 countries fielding ships, marching contingents and cultural troupes along R.K. Beach Road. Key foreign vessels included Russia’s Udaloy‑class destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov, Australia’s frigate HMAS Warramunga, the Philippines’ guided‑missile frigate Miguel Malavar and a Royal Malaysian Navy ship, reflecting broad Indo‑Pacific engagement. Foreign admirals from the United States, Japan and Russia observed the displays, reinforcing the event’s diplomatic and strategic significance [1][3].
Operational Demonstrations Showcase Combat and Rescue Capabilities Indian Marine Commandos blasted a dummy target while speed‑boat teams simulated enemy chases, illustrating littoral warfare tactics. MiG‑29K fighters performed coordinated flare displays, and a search‑and‑rescue drill was staged in front of the presidential yacht, highlighting joint SAR readiness. Observers from participating navies noted the live demonstrations as evidence of India’s growing operational proficiency and interoperability with partner forces [1][3].
Sources
-
1.
The Hindu: Global Navies Converge on Visakhapatnam for MILAN 2026: Details the combined hosting of the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN and IONS from Feb 15‑25, emphasizing the unprecedented joint schedule, parade participation of over 70 nations, and live operational demos, with focus on President Murmu’s review and key foreign vessels .
-
2.
The Hindu: INS Vikrant Highlights India’s Naval Self‑Reliance at IFR and Milan‑2026: Centers on the carrier’s anchorage 12 nm off Visakhapatnam, its role as a symbol of indigenous shipbuilding, the expansion to two carrier battle groups, and its alignment with SAGAR and Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy, citing foreign admirals’ reactions .
-
3.
The Hindu: Presidential Fleet Review Showcases 71 Warships Off Visakhapatnam: Reports the President’s fleet review on Feb 18, enumerating 71 warships (45 Indian, 19 foreign), highlighting flagship vessels INS Tarangini and INS Vikrant, foreign participants, air‑asset fly‑overs and Marine Commandos SAR drills, providing a snapshot of the event’s scale .
Related Tickers
Timeline
1971 – The original INS Vikrant plays a decisive role in the Bangladesh Liberation War, a legacy that the new indigenously built carrier later invokes to symbolize India’s maritime heritage and self‑reliance [4].
Nov 15 – Dec 22, 2025 – China conducts far‑sea comprehensive training with three warships, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, holding open‑day events and athletic competitions to project a positive image and deepen ties with host forces [1].
Early 2026 (planned) – India prepares to deploy four First Training Squadron ships on a long‑range officer training mission, with scheduled port calls to Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand and participation of Indian Army, Air Force personnel and six foreign officers to broaden cross‑service exposure [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – The South Korean Navy dispatches the 4,400‑ton ROKS Gang Gam‑chan from Jeju to Visakhapatnam, where it will join the International Fleet Review (Feb 17‑19) and Exercise Milan (Feb 19‑25), marking South Korea’s second involvement in the biennial drills [5].
Feb 15 – 25, 2026 – Visakhapatnam hosts the International Fleet Review, Exercise Milan and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs in the first combined occurrence, drawing warships from over 70 nations and showcasing India’s maritime diplomacy [2].
Feb 17 – 19, 2026 – The International Fleet Review takes place, featuring ceremonial and operational activities that highlight maritime security cooperation among roughly 20 participating countries; President Droupadi Murmu reviews the fleet aboard the presidential yacht INS Sumedha [5][3].
Feb 18, 2026 – President Droupadi Murmu conducts the Presidential Fleet Review off Visakhapatnam, presiding over 71 warships—including 45 Indian Navy vessels and 19 from friendly foreign navies—while Marine Commandos and SAR teams demonstrate sea‑chase and rescue drills [3].
Feb 19, 2026 – Over 70 nations parade ships, marching contingents and cultural troupes on R.K. Beach Road in the International City Parade, underscoring the event’s scale and the cultural diversity of participating navies [2].
Feb 19 – 25, 2026 – Exercise Milan runs in nearby waters, focusing on interoperability through anti‑ship, anti‑air, logistics and helicopter‑deck landing drills, with ROKS Gang Gam‑chan and other foreign vessels taking part [5].
Feb 19 – 25, 2026 – INS Vikrant anchors 12 nm off Visakhapatnam during the IFR and Milan‑2026, serving as a “show‑stopper” that signals India’s shift from buyer to self‑reliant navy; an ENC official remarks, “Foreign admirals on U.S., Russian and Japanese ships see Vikrant as proof of India’s Aatmanirbhar capability” [4].
2026 (ongoing) – India fields two carrier battle groups centered on indigenous carriers INS Vikrant and its sister carrier, expanding blue‑water reach and reinforcing the SAGAR vision of regional security and humanitarian response [4].
2026 (Jan) – A Pentagon report emphasizes that China views the First Island Chain—from Japan to the Malay Peninsula—as its strategic center of gravity, shaping Beijing’s naval and security calculations in the Indo‑Pacific [1].
All related articles (5 articles)
-
The Hindu: Global Navies Converge on Visakhapatnam for MILAN 2026
-
The Hindu: INS Vikrant Highlights India’s Naval Self‑Reliance at IFR and Milan‑2026
-
The Hindu: Presidential Fleet Review Showcases 71 Warships Off Visakhapatnam
-
Yonhap: South Korea Deploys 4,400‑ton Destroyer to India for Fleet Review and Exercise Milan
-
Newsweek: India and China Expand Naval Training Missions in Southeast Asia