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India will host a historic maritime convergence from 15–25 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, featuring three major international naval events conducted simultaneously for the first time:

1. International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026
2. Exercise MILAN 2026
3. IONS Conclave of Chiefs (2025–27 Chairmanship)

The event operationalises the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), announced in 2025, extending India's SAGAR doctrine from the Indian Ocean to wider maritime regions.

About Exercise MILAN

Background

• Biennial multilateral naval exercise launched in 1995 at Port Blair.
• Started with four participants — Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka & Thailand.
• Has evolved into India’s largest naval exercise, reflecting the Act East Policy and SAGAR/MAHASAGAR frameworks.

Objectives

• Strengthen interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and naval diplomacy.
• Promote cooperation on maritime security, HADR, and regional stability.

MILAN 2026 Features

• Dual-phase format:
  • Harbour Phase: Briefings, professional exchanges, cultural events.
  • Sea Phase:
    • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
    • Air defence drills
    • Search and rescue (SAR)
    • Maritime domain awareness operations
• International City Parade at RK Beach with contingents from:
  • Participating navies
  • Indian Army & Indian Air Force

International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026

• A Presidential Fleet Review at sea showcasing India’s indigenous naval platforms, including:
  • INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier)
  • Visakhapatnam-class destroyers
  • Nilgiri-class stealth frigates
  • Arnala-class ASW corvettes
• Participation expected from navies across the globe, alongside ships from:
  • Indian Navy
  • Indian Coast Guard
  • Merchant Marine
• Demonstrates India’s transformation into a “Builder’s Navy”.

IONS Conclave of Chiefs (2026)

Overview

• Platform under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) for promoting:
  • Maritime cooperation
  • Information sharing
  • HADR coordination
  • Regional security
• India will hold the IONS Chairmanship (2025–27) for the second time.

The Conclave will deliberate on maritime security, operational synergy, and emerging threats.

MAHASAGAR Vision

• Announced in 2025.
• Expands the earlier SAGAR doctrine to emphasise:
  • Sustainability
  • Collective regional responsibility
  • Secure, open and inclusive maritime commons
• Supports India’s role as a Preferred Security Partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Significance of the 2026 Maritime Convergence

• First time India is hosting IFR, MILAN & IONS together.
• Strengthens India’s position as a responsible maritime power.
• Enhances India's role in Indo-Pacific cooperation through frameworks such as:
  • Act East Policy
  • MAHASAGAR
  • SAGAR
  • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
  • IONS
• Showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and India’s Navy as a driver of regional security architecture.
• Expected to generate significant economic benefits for Visakhapatnam through tourism and services.