What is IFR as India Gears Up for International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN?
Zee News
India is set to host the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam from February 15–25, 2026, alongside Exercise MILAN and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), bringing together over 55 nations, 90+ ships and 45 aircraft in a major display of maritime strength, diplomacy and strategic outreach.
India is ramping up preparations for its upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25, 2026, along with Exercise MILAN and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. Visakhapatnam is the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command and India's shipbuilding hub.
The International Fleet Review is a grand sea parade where the President of India boards a ship to inspect rows of warships, submarines, aircraft, and sailors lined up from the Indian Navy and many foreign navies. Ships steam past in perfect formation, jets fly overhead, and everyone salutes—showing off maritime power and friendship.
India has hosted an IFR before, in 2016, with 50 ships from 24 countries, to build ties in the Indian Ocean region amid global tensions. Exercise MILAN adds joint training drills, while the symposium brings naval leaders together for strategy talks—making it a full showcase of India's growing sea strength.
The Indian Navy welcomed CGS Huravee, a Maldives National Defence Force patrol vessel, to Visakhapatnam port. It will join the International Fleet Review (IFR) and Exercise MILAN, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Seychelles Coast Guard's SCGS Zoroaster (P609) also arrived, highlighting maritime friendship with the Indian Ocean neighbor. Vietnam People's Navy frigate VPNS 17 from Southeast Asia docked too, boosting India-Vietnam defense cooperation.
