Archive · 31 Oct 2025
India to Host Major Naval Events in 2026, Including International Fleet Review
India is going to be the host for three big naval events in early 2026, all happening in the city of Visakhapatnam.
These events are a big parade of ships called the International Fleet Review, a large naval exercise called Milan, and a meeting of naval chiefs from countries around the Indian Ocean.
The President of India will review the fleet.
Many countries, including the United States and Russia, have said they will come.
The idea is to show how important India is in the ocean and how all countries can work together for safety at sea.
Some of India's own new ships and submarines will be part of the show.
Exercise Milan will involve practicing working together at sea.
India will host the International Fleet Review, Exercise Milan, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave in February 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
The United States, Russia, Japan, and Australia are among the 55 countries invited and confirmed to participate.
President Droupadi Murmu will review the fleet, which will feature indigenously built Indian naval platforms like INS Vikrant.
The events aim to reinforce India's role in maritime security and the concept of oceans as a shared heritage.
Exercise Milan, focused on camaraderie and cooperation, will involve complex sea operations from February 21-25, 2026.
- Who
- Indian Navy and 55 invited nations, including the USA and Russia
- What
- Hosting the International Fleet Review, Exercise Milan, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave
- When
- February 2026
- Where
- Visakhapatnam
- Why
- To reinforce India's focus on the Indian Ocean region, showcase indigenous naval capabilities, and promote maritime security and cooperation.
Exclusion
Inclusion
Invitation List
Exclusion
China, Pakistan, and Turkiye were not invited to the International Fleet Review.
Inclusion
The United States, Russia, Japan, and Australia are among the over 55 countries invited and confirmed to participate.
- Primary Events
- International Fleet Review, Exercise Milan, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave
- Event Dates
- February 2026
- Host City
- Visakhapatnam
- Confirmed Participants
- USA, Russia, Japan, Australia (among 55 invited nations)
- Reviewing Authority
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Event Theme
- United Through Oceans
- Exercise Milan Theme
- Camaraderie, Cooperation and Collaboration
Sources
Indian Navy closely tracking all Chinese vessels in Indian Ocean Region: VCNS
US, Russia among 55 nations to join India’s International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam
India keeps China, Pakistan, & Turkiye off invite list, as 55 nations give nod for 2026 International Fleet Review
