Vizag set to host three major international events, says ENC chief

Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla has said that now towards the major events lined up for the City of Destiny as the Indian Navy will host three major international events from 15 - 25 February 2026in Visakhapatnam; the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.

In his media interaction in connection with the Navy Day celebrations, he said "this marks the first time that these major maritime events will be conducted simultaneously, representing the largest congregation of naval forces and maritime leadership ever assembled in the nation. The mega event furthers Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision. The February 2026 convergence will be a major operational manifestation of this vision, demonstrating India's role as a 'Preferred Security Partner' capable of convening diverse stakeholders for cooperative maritime governance. More than 100 foreign defence delegates and navies from across the Indo-Pacific will participate in this historic gathering at India's eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command.

The mega event will begin with a Fleet Review at Sea by the President of India on February 18, showcasing indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam class destroyers, Nilgiri class stealth frigates, and Arnala class anti-submarine warfare corvettes, reflecting India's transformation into a 'Builder's Navy'. A total of 61 nations have confirmed their participation with 23 foreign warships and 02 aircraft epitomising the Indian Navy's preferred security partner role in the region.

India's International Fleet Review tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition hosting 20 foreign navies and reached new heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR welcoming 50 foreign navies and over 100 ships. Exercise MILAN, launched in 1995 with four navies in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has evolved into a premier Indo-Pacific multilateral exercise being conducted in Visakhapatnam with 47 participating navies in its last edition in 2024.

Vice-Admiral Bhalla said Visakhapatnam's proven infrastructure, strategic location, and maritime museums make it an ideal host. Coordinated preparations by the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and local administration would ensure seamless execution of this landmark convergence. Significant economic benefits for the region are anticipated through hospitality, tourism, and service sector activities during the event.

Exercise MILAN's Sea and Harbour Phases scheduled from February 19 to 25 will focus on interoperability, Maritime Domain Awareness, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Air Defence and Search and Rescue operations. The International City Parade scheduled on February 19 at Ramakrishna Beach Road will feature contingents from participating navies marching through Visakhapatnam, cultural contingents, air power demo, laser show and fireworks.

An International Maritime Seminar will gather Chiefs of Navies led delegations, Ministry officials, maritime strategists, academia and maritime industry leaders to discuss contemporary challenges including Blue Economy, climate resilience, and emerging technologies. The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, on February 20, conducted under India's chairmanship (2025-2027), will bring together naval chiefs from 25 member nations and 09 observer countries to deliberate on Maritime Security, HADR, and Information Sharing.