Indian Navy Establishes MILAN Village in Visakhapatnam for Global Naval Delegates
As India prepares to host the prestigious International Fleet Review (IFR) and the subsequent MILAN Exercise, the Indian Navy has inaugurated a dedicated MILAN village in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam. This facility is designed to accommodate and engage incoming delegates and naval personnel from more than 70 nations, serving as a central hub for social and cultural interactions that extend beyond professional military engagements.
Cultural and Social Hub for International Participants
The MILAN village will be a vibrant center for cultural exchange, featuring a rich array of activities and displays. Visitors can enjoy live performances by vocal artists, traditional folk-dance shows, and cultural ensembles that highlight India's diverse artistic heritage. Additionally, the village will host various stalls offering naval souvenirs, handicrafts, and handloom products, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship from across the country. To complement the cultural experience, attendees will be treated to mouth-watering Indian cuisine, presenting a wide range of regional flavors and culinary delights.
Leadership Insights and Strategic Significance
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, emphasized the village's role in fostering camaraderie. "MILAN village reflects the spirit of camaraderie and cultural connect that complements professional naval engagement," he stated. "As Visakhapatnam hosts IFR, MILAN, and the IONS Conclave in close succession, this convergence represents a significant moment in India’s maritime outreach and cooperative engagement with partner navies."
In a related development, the Indian Navy recently welcomed naval ships from Thailand, Australia, and Sri Lanka, underscoring the growing international participation in these events.
Exercise MILAN 2026: A Key Maritime Initiative
Scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026, Exercise MILAN will be a cornerstone of India's historic maritime convergence, alongside the IFR 2026 and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs. As one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, MILAN 2026 aims to bring together navies from around the world to enhance interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and collective response capabilities.
The exercise will include both harbour and sea phases, focusing on complex maritime operations such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue missions, and cooperative security initiatives. These activities are intended to reinforce a shared commitment to maintaining free, open, inclusive, and rules-based seas.
Strategic Vision and Global Impact
MILAN 2026 is seen as a major operational manifestation of Prime Minister's MAHASAGAR vision, which seeks to promote maritime security and cooperation. This initiative reaffirms India's position as a preferred security partner and a responsible stakeholder in the global maritime commons, strengthening ties with navies across the globe and enhancing regional stability.
