The Aryavarth Express Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated the 13th edition of MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam, marking the start of the premier multilateral naval exercise.
During the ceremony, the Defence Minister welcomed distinguished representatives from 74 countries, calling this edition the largest and most inclusive MILAN exercise to date. He said the participation of so many nations reflects the global maritime community’s confidence in India as a trusted and responsible maritime partner.
“This year, with the participation of 74 nations, MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition, a reflection of the confidence the global maritime community places in India,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister emphasized that MILAN serves as a premier platform to enhance interoperability among partner navies. By sharing professional experiences and best practices, the exercise strengthens operational competence while fostering lasting relationships between participating navies.
“MILAN 2026 seeks to enhance interoperability among navies, improve professional competence, and deepen friendships by evolving bonds of mutual advantage,” Singh stated.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the growth of MILAN over the years, noting that the exercise has expanded from a regional engagement into one of the world’s most prominent multinational naval exercises. “Through the concerted efforts of all partners, MILAN has evolved into one of India’s most credible and consistent maritime engagements,” he added.
Addressing the growing challenges in the maritime domain, Rajnath Singh pointed out that traditional threats now coexist with complex emerging ones, including piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, cyber vulnerabilities, and disruptions to critical supply chains. Climate change, he noted, is intensifying natural disasters, increasing the demand for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
“No single navy, however capable, can address these challenges alone. Cooperation among navies is no longer an option; it is an imperative,” Singh asserted, emphasizing the importance of coordinated responses to shared global threats.
Platforms like MILAN, he added, foster professional expertise, mutual trust, and operational compatibility, enabling navies to respond collectively to contemporary maritime challenges.
MILAN 2026 is among the most complex editions of the exercise, featuring naval ships, aircraft, and professional delegations from 74 countries. The exercise, running from February 18 to 26, 2026, aims to strengthen professional relationships, enhance operational compatibility, and promote a shared understanding of maritime security in an increasingly interconnected world.
