MILAN 2026, the flagship multinational naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy, concluded successfully with an impressive closing ceremony held onboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The exercise witnessed the participation of a large number of friendly foreign countries, underscoring the growing global engagement and trust in India’s maritime leadership. MILAN 2026 served as a significant platform for professional exchange, operational coordination and strengthening of maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conducted in both harbour and sea phases, the exercise featured a wide array of activities including tactical manoeuvres, advanced naval drills, cross-deck landings, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises, air defence operations, seamanship evolutions and subject matter expert exchanges. The structured engagements enabled participating navies to enhance interoperability, share best practices and develop coordinated responses to contemporary maritime security challenges.
The harbour phase facilitated operational planning discussions, cultural interactions and sports events, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding among participating nations. The sea phase demonstrated high levels of tactical proficiency and coordinated action in complex maritime scenarios.
The closing ceremony onboard INS Vikrant symbolised India’s advancing indigenous shipbuilding capability and its resolve to contribute meaningfully to collective maritime security. Senior naval leadership, distinguished delegates and commanders of participating navies attended the ceremony.
MILAN 2026 reaffirms India’s commitment to its vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and highlights the importance of collaborative approaches in ensuring safe, secure and rules-based maritime commons. The successful conduct of MILAN 2026 marks another milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen international maritime cooperation and promote peace and stability across the global oceans.