Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka mark their naval presence as India gets ready to host International Fleet Review, MILAN Exercise
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The message welcoming the Australian Navy read: “Welcome! From across the ocean to the shores of #Visakhapatnam – HMAS Warramunga, a frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, is strengthening our strong professional maritime ties by participating in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026.”
Underlining the close regional maritime ties, the Eastern Naval Command welcomed the Sri Lankan Navy ships and said, “Welcome! Sri Lanka Navy’s SLNS Nandi Mitra and SLNS Sagara have arrived in #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, strengthening our close regional maritime ties.” he said.
The International Fleet Review (IFR), one of independent India’s largest maritime events, will witness the participation of 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships, represented from 65 countries during the Milan exercise.
The IFR will be reviewed by the President at sea on 18 February. A total of 71 ships organized in six lines, including 19 foreign warships and 45 from the Indian Navy, will participate in the event. The remaining ships consist of Coast Guard, Merchant Navy and research vessels.
The Milan exercises, which started in 1995 with just four countries, have now expanded to include 65 navies around the world. India will once again host Milan 2026. As part of the IFR celebrations, an International City Parade will also be held along Visakhapatnam Beach Road on the evening of February 19. 45 troops will participate in the parade, and seven to eight foreign groups will also perform.
It is worth mentioning that INS Vikrant has already reached Visakhapatnam and will be a part of this major IFR.
India’s IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition, which hosted 20 foreign navies, and reached new heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR, which hosted navies from around the world.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla emphasized the scale and importance of this event in strengthening international naval cooperation and showcasing India’s maritime capabilities.
The mega event will be a significant step in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, while also highlighting India’s indigenous naval capabilities and its commitment to becoming the Preferred Security Partner across regions.
India will host three major international maritime events in Visakhapatnam in February 2026: International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Chiefs’ Meeting, scheduled to be held from 15-25 February 2026. This marks India’s first simultaneous hosting of these major maritime events.
