Recently, India announced it will host a historic maritime convergence in Visakhapatnam in February 2026, marking the first-ever simultaneous conduct of three major global naval events.

About the Maritime Convergence in Visakhapatna

• India will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs from February 15–25, 2026.
• Objective: The convergence aims to showcase India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and responsible maritime power in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
• Venue: The event will take place at Visakhapatnam, headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, coordinated by the Indian Navy with multiple central ministries and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
• Presidential Fleet Review: A major highlight will be the Presidential Fleet Review, featuring INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes, symbolizing India’s indigenous naval strength.

About International Fleet Review (IFR)

• International Fleet Reviews (IFR) are events where military maritime capabilities are showcased, often for commemoration, and  international cooperation.
• Origin: India hosted its first IFR in 2001 (Mumbai) and the second in 2016 (Visakhapatnam).
• Participants and Significance: Navies worldwide participate to strengthen naval diplomacy, interoperability, and maritime goodwill, reaffirming India’s leadership in global maritime affairs.

About Exercise MILAN

• Exercise MILAN was initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995 with four participating navies (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) Exercise MILAN has grown into one of the largest multilateral maritime exercises in the Indo-Pacific.
• 2026 Participants: Over 55 countries, including the United States and Russia, with navies from all over the globe invited to attend.
  • China, Turkey, and Pakistan have not been invited.
• Focus Areas: It will include harbour and sea phases focusing on interoperability, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.

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About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

• IONS is a voluntary and inclusive forum launched in 2008 by the Indian Navy to enhance maritime cooperation and security among the navies of the Indian Ocean Region’s littoral states.
• Overview: India will assume IONS chairmanship (2025–2027) during the Conclave of Chiefs involving 25 member states and nine observers.
• Significance: The forum promotes maritime security, information sharing, and disaster relief cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral nations.

The convergence aligns with PM Modi’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions ) Vision expanding the earlier SAGAR initiative to wider maritime domains.

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