India Anchors Global Naval Focus with 3 Mega Events in 2026; US, Russia to Join

With India a major power, the government is organising three major naval events, reinforcing the country’s focus on the Indian Ocean region. The three events are as important as they are prestigious: the International

Fleet Review, Exercise Milan and the Indian Ocean navy chiefs conclave. All three will happen in February 2026. Both the United States of America and Russia will be participating along with other countries like Japan and Australia, both part of the Quad and the Exercise Malabar. While Operation ctontinues, there is a need to ensure other work must continue.Speaking to reporters today, the vice chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said the fleet review, which President Droupadi Murmu will "review" on February 18 was part of the country's naval tradition, having had one in 1953 and another 11 subsequently. There was a fleet review in Vishakhapatnam in 2016. This is in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration about India being a reliable partner in maritime security and the oceans being a shared heritage, connecting all of us. Other countries are doing fleet review, including Sri Lanka quite soon, and next year Australia and the United States of America. Indian naval ships, submarines and aircraft will be participating in the fleet review, particularly indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant and submarines made in Mumbai. President Murmu will be on the Indian Navy warship, and for the day, it will be the presidential yacht. A city parade is also on the cards as well as a naval air power demonstration.Exercise Milan is also on the cards and both Indian and foreign navies will participating in some complicated exercises from February 25. The Milan exercise began in 1995 and moved to Vishakhapatnam in 2022. Just human many vessels and aircraft will participate (55 countries are invited to the review and the exercise) is being worked out.The IONS Conclave, which is for countries that are part of the Indian Ocean region, will also be help in Vishakhapatna, The grouping, with 25 countries as members and nine observers, will have a new chair in the near future: India. The Indian Navy, keeping in mind, the challenges it faces, is growing with 10 ships joining the fleet this year along with a submarine, with four more to come by the end of the year. Altogether 19 may join the fleet next year and 13 the year after.