India is set to host an unprecedented convergence of three major international maritime engagements in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, marking the first time the country will conduct all three flagship events simultaneously.
Scheduled from 15-25 February 2026, the mega maritime gathering is being positioned as a major operational milestone in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, unveiled in 2025.
The MAHASAGAR framework expands India’s earlier SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region) beyond the Indian Ocean to wider geographies, with an emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and shared responsibility in managing global maritime commons. Officials said the February convergence represents a tangible manifestation of this strategic outlook and underscores India’s aspiration to function as a “Preferred Security Partner” to partner nations.
Global naval participation has been solicited, with invitations extended to fleets worldwide to assemble at Visakhapatnam, home to India’s Eastern Naval Command and regarded as the country’s eastern maritime gateway. The event is also aligned with broader strategic frameworks including the Act East Policy, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and ongoing IONS cooperation mechanisms, reinforcing India’s commitment to free, open, and inclusive seas.
A key highlight will be the Presidential Fleet Review conducted at sea, to be reviewed by the President of India. The review will showcase India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities, featuring frontline platforms such as INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, alongside Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes. The display will also include participation from foreign naval vessels, Indian Coast Guard ships, and merchant marine assets, reflecting India’s evolution into what officials describe as a “Builder’s Navy.”
Exercise MILAN 2026 will include both Harbour and Sea Phases designed to deepen operational interoperability among participating navies. Focus areas will include maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence coordination, and search-and-rescue operations. The exercise aims to enhance collective preparedness and foster practical cooperation across regional and extra-regional fleets.
As part of public outreach and maritime diplomacy, an International City Parade will be conducted along Visakhapatnam’s RK Beach. Marching contingents will include personnel from visiting navies as well as the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, bringing the multinational military presence directly into the civic space.
Young voices. Big excitement! ⚓
The enthusiasm for #IFR2026_India is spreading across the nation!
Young talented students of The Lords’ International School, Chennai bring alive the spirit of the seas with this wonderful video— a true reflection that IFR fever is on and young… pic.twitter.com/6fExDI3F47— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) February 10, 2026
Source: PIB
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