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Dec 9, 2025
Vizag to host IFR, MILAN and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in February 2026
The Hindu
Visakhapatnam will host three flagship events of Indian Navy from February 15 to 25, 2026, Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has said.
Addressing the media onboard INS Himgiri at the ENC base on Wednesday, Vice-Admiral Bhalla said that one mega event will comprise the 3rd International Fleet Review 2026, 13th MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs of 25 member nations.
"Visakhapatnam has been chosen for the mega event for being the headquarters of the ENC, strategic eastern maritime gateway of the Bay of Bengal, proven infrastructure for large-scale international events, iconic RK beach for ceremonies, and established logistics and hospitality networks. We expect that about six lakh people will view the city parade event at RK Beach," the Vice-Admiral said.
The mega event will be inaugurated with the IFR 2026 at the sea by Supreme Commander of Armed Forces and President Droupadi Murmu on February 18 morning, showcasing indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant, India's first domestically built aircraft carrier, Vishakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes, reflecting India's transformation into a builder's navy.
The other IFR event includes the International City Parade on February 19 evening, with air power demonstration by military aircrafts.
The MILAN 2026 will begin on February 18 morning with the theme of 'Camaraderie, Cooperation, and Collaboration', bringing together the navies from friendly countries. This event will comprise global maritime seminar, harbour and sea phases.
The 9th IONS Conclave will be held on February 20, marking India's second chairmanship (2026-2028) of the voluntary forum uniting the navies of the Indian Ocean Region.
It will bring together senior naval leadership from 25 member nations, seven observer states and nine other specially invited countries to discuss maritime securi
