Introduction

The 13th edition of MILAN, Indian Navy's flagship Multilateral Naval Exercise, will be conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command from 18 to 25 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Invitations have been extended to over 135 Countries for participation in MILAN 26.

MILAN 26 will bring together navies from Friendly Foreign Countries to strengthen professional bonds, share best practices and enhance cooperation at sea. The exercise will focus on large-scale multilateral operations, providing invaluable experience in operating together as a cohesive maritime force.

MILAN 2026

Logo

The MILAN 26 Logo incorporates the theme of the exercise 'Camaraderie Cooperation Collaboration', which has been highlighted and inscribed at the edge of the Logo. The yellow ceremonial rope exemplifies the strong bonds between the constituents to form a single, united entity in consonance with the overall aim of MILAN.

The two anchors on either side represent stability, aimed to be fostered through the Exercise. The inner circle has a gradient of the tricolour, India's National Flag.

The globe in the background indicates the inclusivity of all nations in the Exercise. India in the centre, with Visakhapatnam highlighted, represents the host city. Also prominently featured on the logo is the Dolphin Lighthouse, Visakhapatnam’s distinguishing maritime monument.

Key Dates &

Events

History

MILAN, the Multilateral Naval Exercise hosted by India, made a modest beginning in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995. The navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand participated in the first edition.
This biennial congregation of friendly navies has grown in magnitude over the last two and a half decades. The previous edition, MILAN 24, was also held in Visakhapatnam, the City of Destiny, and witnessed participation by 47 Friendly Foreign Countries, across continents.
MILAN 26 is scheduled at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 25 February 2026 under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. Invitations have been extended to over 135 countries.

History

MILAN, the Multilateral Naval Exercise hosted by India, made a modest beginning in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995. The navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand participated in the first edition.

This biennial congregation of friendly navies has grown in magnitude over the last two and a half decades. The previous edition, MILAN 24, was also held in Visakhapatnam, the City of Destiny, and witnessed participation by 47 Friendly Foreign Countries, across continents.

MILAN 26 is scheduled at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 25 February 2026 under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. Invitations have been extended to over 135 countries.