Indian Navy Concludes MILAN 2026 Maritime Exercise Aboard INS Vikrant

What’s the News?

The Indian Navy successfully concluded its flagship multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 with a closing ceremony onboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

About MILAN 2026

MILAN 2026 was conducted under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration.”

The exercise comprising two main phases — the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.

It was hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.

Participation & Scale

The exercise saw participation from 42 warships and submarines and 29 aircraft, including 18 ships from friendly foreign countries — making it one of the largest editions of MILAN to date.

Friendly nations’ navies took part to boost maritime cooperation, interoperability, and collective readiness.

About Exercise MILAN

Started in: 1995

Nature: Multilateral naval exercise hosted biennially by the Indian Navy.

Purpose: Promote cooperation, interoperability, and professional exchange among friendly navies.

INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, symbolising India’s naval capability and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Commissioned in 2022, it plays a key role in power projection and maritime diplomacy.

Eastern Naval Command

Headquarters: Visakhapatnam

One of the three main operational commands of the Indian Navy, tasked with safeguarding India’s eastern maritime front.

Maritime Security Doctrine

Exercises like MILAN support India’s maritime strategy of strengthening collective defence, securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and promoting a rules-based order at sea.