India Hosts MILAN 2026 as 74 Navies Unite for Maritime Security Cooperation

India has launched one of its largest-ever multilateral naval exercises, Exercise MILAN 2026, bringing together Navy Chiefs and delegations from 74 countries in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in a major demonstration of international maritime cooperation.

Inaugurating the exercise on 19 February 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called on the global community to address evolving and interconnected challenges at sea through mutual respect, partnership and shared responsibility.

"The role of navies in international peacemaking has only increased over time," he said, noting that no single nation can tackle today's maritime threats alone.

Rising Tensions and New Threats in the Maritime Domain

The Defence Minister warned that traditional security risks are now compounded by emerging challenges, including:

• Piracy and maritime terrorism

• Illegal fishing and trafficking networks

• Cyber vulnerabilities

• Disruptions to global supply chains

• Contestation over strategic straits and sea channels

• Growing competition over underwater rare-earth resources

He also stressed that climate change is intensifying natural disasters, making humanitarian and disaster relief operations more frequent and complex.

"Traditional threats coexist with emerging challenges… No single navy, however capable, can address these challenges alone," he said.

Strengthening Global Naval Architecture Under UNCLOS

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a time-tested framework for peaceful coexistence and dispute resolution in international waters.

He argued that UNCLOS can be reinforced through a more comprehensive global naval architecture that enables:

• Greater information sharing

• Protection of maritime communication links

• Stronger action against criminal activity and terrorism on the high seas

• Coordinated global maritime security

MILAN: Platform for Trust, Interoperability and Shared Action

Pointing to upheavals in the established international order, the Defence Minister said platforms like MILAN are essential for building mutual confidence and coordinated responses.

"When our ships sail together, when our sailors train together, and when our commanders deliberate together, we build a shared understanding that transcends geography and politics," he said.

MILAN 2026 aims to:

• Enhance interoperability among partner navies

• Improve professional competence through shared practices

• Deepen friendships through bonds of mutual advantage

• Promote freedom of navigation under international law

From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: India's Expanding Maritime Vision

Shri Rajnath Singh noted that India's maritime outlook has evolved from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to the broader concept of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

This shift reflects India's deepening commitment to cooperative maritime engagement across oceans, not just regional seas.

As a trusted Vishwa-Mitra (global friend), India will continue playing a constructive role through:

• Multilateral patrols

• Joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance

• Hydrographic assistance

• Rapid humanitarian response during cyclones and crises

MILAN 2026: Maritime "Mahakumbh" of Global Navies

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described MILAN as a Maritime Mahakumbh, where professionals unite with a shared purpose of keeping the seas safe, secure and open.

He said maritime challenges today are complex, transnational and best addressed through partnership.

During MILAN 2026, navies will engage in:

• Complex manoeuvres and drills

• Professional exchanges and discussions

• Enhanced trust-building and operational learning

Two-Phase Exercise: Harbour and Sea Operations

MILAN 2026 will be conducted in two major phases:

Harbour Phase

Focused on professional interaction and cooperation through:

• International Maritime Seminar

• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges

• Bilateral engagements

• MILAN of Young Officers

• Cross-deck visits

• Cultural programmes, city tours and sports interactions

• Technology demonstrations and planning conferences

Sea Phase

Featuring advanced operational exercises including:

• Maritime security operations

• Tactical manoeuvres

• Communication and coordination drills

• Collective readiness enhancement

India Reinforces Role as Net Security Provider

With ships, aircraft and delegations from 74 nations, MILAN 2026 is among the most complex editions of the exercise to date.

It reflects India's proactive commitment to:

• Cooperative maritime security

• A rule-based international maritime order

• Peace, stability and prosperity across the global commons

Through MILAN 2026, the Indian Navy continues to reaffirm India's position as a dependable maritime partner and net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.