President Droupadi Murmu to review International Naval Fleet off Visakhapatnam coast

Hyderabad: President Droupadi Murmu will review the ceremonial assembly of international naval ships, submarines, and aircraft off the Visakhapatnam coast on Wednesday during the International Fleet Review (IFR). The IFR returns to Vizag after a decade, since the Indian Navy's last event there in 2016. The 13th edition of MILAN—the Navy's flagship multilateral exercise also runs from February 18 to 25 in Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal.

Around 70 countries are participating in IFR and MILAN, uniting navies from friendly nations to build professional bonds, share best practices, and enhance maritime cooperation. The exercise focuses on large-scale multilateral operations, delivering invaluable experience in cohesive maritime force maneuvers.

Visakhapatnam, headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), remains the heartbeat of India’s maritime power on the Eastern Seaboard. ENC holds a unique dual distinction as it covers the largest geographical area of responsibility among all Indian Armed Forces Commands from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu and is the only naval command operating nuclear-propelled platforms. Over the years, ENC has evolved into a multidimensional force with a formidable Eastern Fleet, capable submarine arm, potent naval air wing, resilient dockyard, and forward bases projecting India’s presence across the Indo-Pacific.

The President will review the International Fleet at Visakhapatnam Anchorage from INS Sumedha, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) serving as the Presidential Yacht, leading the Presidential column.

The review will feature anchored ships, a steam-past by warships and submarines, and a flypast by naval aircraft. Thrilling displays include a Parade of Sailing Vessels, Search and Rescue demonstration, and Special Operations Boats by Marine Commandos.

Thursday evening brings an Air Power Demonstration by Indian Naval Aircraft, followed by a City Parade with marching contingents and bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Foreign contingents, National Cadet Corps, Sea Cadet Corps, and Navy Children School will also participate.

Last Sunday, the Indian Navy inaugurated MILAN Village at ENC for MILAN 2026. This curated experience zone fosters camaraderie among delegates and personnel from over 70 countries through live vocal performances, traditional folk dances, and cultural ensembles showcasing India's vibrant artistic legacy.

As one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, MILAN 2026 unites global navies to boost interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and collective response. Harbour and Sea Phases emphasize complex operations like anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue, and cooperative security, reinforcing commitment to free, open, inclusive, rules-based seas.