In a first of its kind mega show, India will host three major international maritime events simultaneously, including the IFR 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
Photo: SNS
After a decade, the Indian Navy will once again host the International Fleet Review (IFR) in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, with President Droupadi Murmu slated to review the event. So far, 55 countries, including the United States and Russia, have confirmed their participation in the maritime showcase.
In a first of its kind mega show, India will host three major international maritime events simultaneously, including the IFR 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. The events are slated to be conducted from 15 to 25 February in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Advertisement
Giving the details of the event during a curtain raiser organised here today, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said the February 2026 convergence is a major operational manifestation of this vision, demonstrating India’s commitment to being a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ for all friends and partners.
Advertisement
“Invitations have been extended to navies from across the globe to participate in this historic gathering at Visakhapatnam, India’s eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command. The event will reflect India’s commitment to free, open and inclusive seas, anchored in strategic frameworks including MAHASAGAR , the Act East Policy, IONS, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI),” he said.
“So far, we’ve received responses from over 55 countries expressing their willingness to take part in all three events,” he said.
“A large number of navies will be represented not only by their ships but also through high-level delegations. We still have about four months to go, so these numbers are likely to change as more confirmations come in. Given the evolving geopolitical situation, it’s hard to predict what might happen in the next few days or weeks, but we’re definitely expecting participation from more than 55 countries. Both the United States and Russia have confirmed their intent to send ships, and we may also see some aircraft participation — though that’s still being worked out,” he added further.
The event will feature a Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by the President of India, 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’. The Indian Navy ships would be joined by a diverse congregation of ships from friendly foreign countries, the Indian Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines.
Exercise MILAN’s Sea and Harbour Phases will focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations. The International City Parade will feature contingents from participating navies, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force marching through Visakhapatnam’s iconic beachfront, the RK Beach, showcasing maritime diplomacy directly to citizens.
An International Maritime Seminar will gather maritime strategists, defence officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues including maritime collaboration, technology and humanitarian support. The IONS Conclave of Chiefs, during which the Indian Navy would assume Chairmanship for the second time (2025-2027), will bring together Naval Chiefs from 25 members, 9 observers, and specially invited nations to deliberate on maritime security, HADR, and information sharing.
India’s IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition hosting 20 foreign navies and reached greater heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR welcoming navies from around the world.
Advertisement
