India to Host Multinational Naval Exercise 'Milan' From Feb 19 , 50 Countries likely to Participate

Defense News ,India :- In a bid to strengthen maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region, India is gearing up to host the 'Milan' naval exercise in Visakhapatnam for nine days, starting from February 19. More than 50 navies, including those of the US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are expected to participate, creating a robust platform for cultural exchange and military collaboration.

'Milan' is a biennial multinational naval exercise initiated in 1995 under India's 'Look East' policy, involving countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Over the years, the exercise has gained prominence and moved to Visakhapatnam due to its expanding scale and the need for a larger staging base.

The choice of Visakhapatnam as the venue is strategic, considering its status as a major commercial hub, a large port, and a coastline that allows ships to operate closer to the shore. The city's steep coastal gradient and extensive infrastructure make it ideal for hosting various events, including operational demonstrations and the international city parade, offering a unique experience for the local populace.

The upcoming 'Milan' exercise will comprise two phases: the 'Harbour phase' and the 'Sea phase.' The harbour phase will focus on cultural sharing, featuring an international maritime seminar, a city parade, a maritime exhibition, and various sporting events. The sea phase will witness the participation of ships and aircraft from friendly foreign countries alongside the Indian Navy, engaging in large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defense operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface operations.

Officials emphasize that 'Milan' serves as a testament to India's commitment to promoting maritime cooperation and security in the region. As India's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific grows, the exercise has evolved into a key platform for nations to foster partnerships, exchange ideas, and enhance maritime security. The previous edition of the exercise, held in 2022 in Visakhapatnam, set the stage for the forthcoming multinational naval engagement.