Exercise MILAN 2026

Overview: Exercise MILAN 2026, organised by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, will bring together naval forces from over 70 countries. The biennial exercise focuses on interoperability, maritime security, and Indo-Pacific stability. Held alongside the International Fleet Review 2026, it highlights India’s growing maritime leadership.

Riyaz

Feb-19-2026

Exercise MILAN 2026 is a major international naval exercise organised by the Indian Navy, scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam, India. This biennial event brings together naval forces from multiple countries to enhance maritime cooperation and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. MILAN 2026 will focus on improving interoperability among participating navies, fostering better communication, and executing coordinated operations such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and disaster relief. It also aligns with the International Fleet Review 2026, making it a significant event in strengthening maritime partnerships and regional stability.

Highlights of Exercise MILAN 2026

Multinational Participation: MILAN 2026 will feature naval forces from over 70 countries, marking one of the largest gatherings of its kind. This reflects the importance of international cooperation in maritime security.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships: The exercise emphasises improving interoperability between naval forces from various countries, focusing on effective communication and coordinated operations at sea.
Complex Maritime Operations: Participants will engage in advanced exercises covering anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue, and maritime domain awareness. These scenarios will test and enhance the skills of the navies involved.
Harbour Phase: In addition to sea-based drills, the exercise will include seminars, cross-deck visits, and cultural exchange activities, which help build camaraderie among the international naval personnel.
Integration with Other Events: MILAN 2026 runs alongside the International Fleet Review and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave, further enhancing its significance in the region.
Focus on Maritime Diplomacy: This exercise provides an opportunity for nations to strengthen diplomatic ties and exchange best practices in naval operations, contributing to long-term stability in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s Growing Role: Hosting MILAN 2026 underscores India’s commitment to being a key player in regional maritime security and its leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Asked PYQs on Exercise

Exam & Year	Question (with Options)	Correct Answer
Territorial Army Official Paper II – 2021	MALABAR is a Naval exercise between India and: (1) Singapore (2) USA (3) China (4) Britain	(2) USA – Malabar began as India–US naval exercise (later expanded).
UPSC / Other Prelims Practice	With reference to naval exercise “MILAN” consider: (1) Focuses on professional interaction between armies at land (2) Originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’ Select: (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) Neither	(B) 2 only – MILAN is naval, not army.
AFCAT 01/2025 – 22 Jan 2025	Konkan naval exercise is conducted between: (1) India-Bangladesh (2) India-Sri Lanka (3) India-United Kingdom (4) India-China	(3) India-United Kingdom – Bilateral naval exercise.
SSC JE	Malabar is a naval exercise between which countries? (1) India & Japan (2) India, Japan & USA (3) India & Australia (4) India & Russia	(2) India, Japan & USA – Often asked in SSC exams.
RBI Assistant 2021	In the year 2020, the Malabar Naval Exercise took place between India, the USA, and which country? (A) Japan (B) Australia (C) France (D) UK	(B) Australia – Malabar ’20 included Australia (Quad).

Conclusion (MILAN Exercise 2026)

The MILAN Exercise 2026 marks a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation among nations, emphasising India's role as a key player in regional security. By fostering collaboration between over 70 countries, it enhances interoperability, builds trust, and tackles common challenges in the Indo-Pacific. This exercise not only improves naval operational readiness but also deepens diplomatic ties through cultural exchanges and joint training. MILAN 2026 exemplifies India's commitment to promoting peace, stability, and security at sea, showcasing the importance of multilateral efforts in safeguarding global maritime interests. Its successful execution will shape future naval partnerships.