VISAKHAPATNAM: Warships from around the world have converged on this eastern Indian port city for the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the Milan 2026 multilateral naval exercise.
The IFR, held on Wednesday, was inspected by President Droupadi Murmu, who reviewed columns of naval vessels from the presidential yacht INS Sumedha as it sailed past the formation.
The New Straits Times was given exclusive access onboard one of the participating warships during the fleet review, offering a close-up view of the ceremonial sail-past and multinational naval presence in the Bay of Bengal.
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The IFR saw the participation of around 19 foreign warships, among them was Malaysia’s KD Sri Indera Sakti, alongside vessels from countries such as Indonesia, Japan, Russia and South Korea.
India showcased a wide array of its own naval assets, including its indigenously made aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, submarines and other frontline platforms.
The Milan 2026 exercise was launched yesterday with a beach operational demonstration by the Indian Navy along the Visakhapatnam shoreline, followed by an International City Parade blending naval tradition with cultural performances.
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India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said the IFR and Milan 2026 have brought together navies from across the world under shared themes of being united through oceans.
“Whether it is sailing together at sea, or marching together for the same purpose at the International City Parade, these engagements build trust and interoperability.
“The International City Parade has always been a unique highlight of the IFR and Milan, blending the colour and vibrancy of local culture with the discipline and pride of uniformed personnel from across the globe,” he said.
The four-day sea phase of Milan 2026 is scheduled to begin on Saturday onwards, where participating navies will conduct joint exercises, including complex maritime manoeuvres and coordinated operations designed to improve interoperability.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
