Exercise MILAN 2026, the 13th edition of India's premier multilateral naval exercise, was formally inaugurated on February 19, 2026, at Visakhapatnam (Vizag), headquartered at Eastern Naval Command. This edition is the largest in MILAN's history, with participation from 74 nations and 85 warships — a record high since the exercise began in 1995.
The sea phase commenced on February 19 after the inaugural ceremony. MILAN, meaning "meeting" in Hindi, was originally conceived to build maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim nations. Over the decades it has grown into a global naval engagement platform, now drawing navies from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Key activities include maritime security drills, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue (SAR) exercises, passage exercises (PASSEX), and professional seminars on naval cooperation. A harbour phase preceded the sea phase, featuring subject matter expert exchanges, sports events, and cultural interactions.
The 13th edition saw the participation of navies from countries including the United States, France, Russia, Japan, Australia, and several Indo-Pacific and African nations. The presence of 85 warships underscores India's growing stature as a leading maritime power and net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise is significant for RAS aspirants as it reflects India's strategic outreach, the primacy of the Indian Ocean in India's foreign policy, and the Indian Navy's role in regional security architecture under doctrines such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).