IFR & MILAN 2026

The MILAN Opening Ceremony would be held on 19 February 2026 at the Samudrika Auditorium, Naval Base, Visakhapatnam marking the formal commencement of the Multilateral Naval Exercise, MILAN 26. The Chief of the Naval Staff and the Chief Guest would address the gathering.

Date

19 Feb 2026 (Thursday)

Time

1000 - 1100 Hr

Venue

Samudrika Auditorium, Naval Base, Visakhapatnam

Dress Code

No.2A/ Equivalent/ Formal

Chat with Navika

Greetings to our friends and partners from across the seas!

For nearly three decades, the Indian Navy’s flagship events the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN have brought together maritime nations in a spirit of cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 concurrent editions at Visakhapatnam from 15 - 25 February 2026.

Guided by the themes 'United through Oceans’ for IFR and "Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration" for MILAN, this edition will showcase professional exchanges, operational drills and cultural celebrations.

The 2026 edition will provide participants with valuable opportunities to share operational insights in harbour, hone professional skills at sea, strengthen camaraderie on the sports fields and immerse themselves in the richness of Indian culture.

In harbour, the programme will feature Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and the International Maritime Seminar (IMS), enabling dialogue on shared maritime challenges, opportunities and priorities. For young officers, activities will include cross-deck visits, ship-handling simulator training, Damage Control and NBC simulator training and demonstration of submarine rescue capabilities by a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). These engagements will strengthen our collective ability to generate credible and coordinated responses at sea. During the sea phase, participating units will conduct a wide spectrum of operational drills in multinational groupings - carrier operations, seamanship evolutions, weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare, air defence drills and tactical manoeuvres.

Complementing the professional exchanges, the event will also feature cultural and recreational activities, including Sports competitions, tours, social events and the spectacular International City Parade celebrating our shared maritime heritage. Together, these will offer a balanced blend of professional enrichment, operational engagement and cultural immersion for all esteemed delegates and participants from across the world.

It is fitting that we gather at Visakhapatnam, the City of Destiny, for an event that strengthens our bonds of friendship across the oceans. The Indian Navy eagerly awaits your presence for a professionally rewarding and culturally enriching experience.

Saṃ No Varuṇa! — May the Lord of Oceans be auspicious unto us.