The Indian Navy is gearing up for a historic maritime showcase in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026, hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs simultaneously for the first time. Over 55 nations have confirmed participation, including powerhouses like the United States and Russia, which will deploy ships and aircraft. However, invitations were withheld from China, Pakistan, and Turkey due to geopolitical frictions, particularly their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor—a recent counter-terrorism operation that heightened regional tensions.

Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan announced the developments at a New Delhi curtain-raiser on Friday, emphasizing the events' alignment with India's vision of "United Through Oceans." This theme, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on seas as connectors rather than dividers, underscores commitments to free and open maritime domains via initiatives like SAGAR, Act East Policy, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The convergence aims to evolve naval traditions into strategic partnerships, positioning India as a pivotal security provider in the Indian Ocean Region amid rising extra-regional naval activities.

The IFR, a tradition tracing back to 18th-century Maratha reviews and revived post-Independence in 1953, will culminate in a Presidential Fleet Review on February 18 led by President Droupadi Murmu. It will spotlight indigenous assets, including the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes, joined by foreign vessels, Indian Coast Guard ships, and merchant marines. Previous editions in 2001 (Mumbai) and 2016 (Visakhapatnam) drew global navies; this iteration expects high-level delegations from dozens of countries, with final counts pending further confirmations.

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Exercise MILAN, launched in 1995 with four participants and now a premier multilateral drill, will feature a harbour phase on February 19-20 focused on professional exchanges, followed by sea operations from February 21-25 emphasizing interoperability, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue. Quad allies Japan and Australia are among confirmed attendees, enhancing collaborative exercises. Concurrently, the IONS Conclave—where India assumes chairmanship for 2025-2027—will convene 25 member chiefs, nine observers, and invitees to discuss humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and information sharing.

Excluding China, Pakistan, and Turkey reflects India's strategic calculus, with Turkey's snub linked to its pro-Pakistan stance during Operation Sindoor and recent diplomatic chill, including India's boycott of Ankara's National Day reception. The events promise economic uplift for Visakhapatnam through tourism and services, while reinforcing naval vigilance—Vice Admiral Vatsayan noted constant monitoring of Chinese vessels in the IOR. As preparations advance, the 2026 rendezvous signals India's ascent as a 'Builder's Navy' and responsible maritime steward.

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