Visakhapatnam: INS Vikrant, the majestic looking aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, has made a grand debut at the scenic port of Visakhapatnam for participation in the multilateral naval exercise (MILAN) here. The twelfth edition of MILAN, the largest multilateral exercise so far which saw participation by over 50 navies from friendly countries including the United States, Australia, France and Russia, for the first time will have participation of INS Vikramaditya as well as INS Vikrant, described as a rare spectacle by several naval officers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inaugurated the nine-day exercise on Wednesday, which began on February 19, comprising harbour and sea phases. He also inaugurated the MILAN Village, where the cultural heritage of India is being showcased with multi cuisine food stalls by several hoteliers and a souvenir shop.
Full rehearsals for the International City Parade by the participant navies with focus on display air power have been conducted for the show on the beach road in the backdrop of colourfully illuminated war ships on February 22. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt will be chief guest on the occasion. The Navy described INS Vikrant’s majestic entry as “grihapravesh” to her eventual home port under the Eastern Naval Command. Welcome home majestic Vikrant. Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprudhah.” In a post on X, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy stated “as the sunrise command welcomes India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (R-11), may she always live by her motto ‘I defeat those who dare to challenge me.’
