The 13th edition of Exercise MILAN 2026 concluded aboard INS Vikrant in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing maritime diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region. 

About Exercise MILAN

• A biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
• First conducted in 1995; now a major Indo-Pacific naval engagement.
• Objective: Deepen professional relationships, enhance operational compatibility, and promote a shared understanding of contemporary maritime challenges.
• Theme (2026): “Camaraderie, Cohesion and Collaboration.”
• Participation (2026): 74 countries, making it the largest and most inclusive edition.
• Conducted under India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
• 2026 edition conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
• Conducted in two phases of MILAN:  Harbour Phase & Sea Phase.

The exercise ran concurrently with the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, enhancing strategic dialogue.

MILAN reflects India’s increasing diplomatic outreach through naval diplomacy and defence cooperation.

Exam Hook

Prelims Question :

Consider the following statements about Exercise MILAN:

1. It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
2. It focuses only on anti-piracy operations.
3. It aims to enhance interoperability among participating navies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

One-line Wrap:
Exercise MILAN 2026 showcased India’s maritime leadership and strengthened naval cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

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