Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Exercise MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam

MILAN-2026 Becomes Largest Multilateral Naval Exercise Hosted by India

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, signalling the start of one of the world’s key multilateral naval engagements. The exercise highlights India’s expanding maritime diplomacy and its growing stature as a reliable partner in regional and global maritime security.

Expansion of a Naval Initiative

Exercise MILAN originated as a regional naval interaction and has progressively transformed into a major international platform. Over the years, the exercise has broadened its participation and operational scope, bringing together friendly foreign navies for structured cooperation.

The 2026 edition, hosted under the Eastern Naval Command , marks the largest iteration of MILAN to date, with representation from 74 nations. Senior naval officials assessed operational readiness prior to the formal opening.

Focus on Interoperability and Cooperation

MILAN’s core objective is to improve interoperability among participating naval forces. The exercise provides opportunities for professional dialogue, exchange of operational experiences, and coordinated drills designed to enhance collective maritime capabilities.

Activities include complex sea-based manoeuvres alongside seminars, workshops, and cultural interactions conducted ashore. These engagements foster operational understanding and strengthen institutional ties among navies.

Strategic Importance

The participation of 74 countries underscores MILAN’s rising global relevance. The exercise contributes to building trust, improving coordination, and addressing shared maritime challenges, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s emphasis on cooperative security frameworks aligns with its broader maritime doctrine, which prioritises stability, freedom of navigation, and collaborative responses to transnational threats.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Exercise MILAN is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.

• MILAN-2026 involves participation from 74 nations.

• Eastern Naval Command is headquartered at Visakhapatnam.

• Interoperability denotes joint operational compatibility among forces.

• India’s maritime strategy stresses cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific.