India Hosts Milan Naval Exercise with Participation of Nearly 50 Countries

India is hosting the 12th edition of the ‘Milan’ naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation among like-minded nations. The exercise comes amidst growing global concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea.

Participating Countries and Assets

• Navies from almost 50 countries including the US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are participating.
• Nearly 20 Indian Navy ships and around 50 aircraft, including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, MiG 29K, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, are taking part.

Historical Background

• Milan is a biennial multinational naval exercise initiated in 1995 with the participation of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, aligned with India’s ‘Look East’ policy.
• The exercise evolved under the Andaman and Nicobar Command until its 10th edition.

Exercise Phases and Activities

• Harbour Phase: February 19 to 23, including opening ceremony, international city parade, maritime seminar, tech expo, and table-top exercise.
• Sea Phase: February 24 to 27, featuring advanced air defense, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, gunnery shoots, maneuvers, and underway replenishment.

Objectives and Significance

• Milan 2024 aims to strengthen regional cooperation, foster interoperability, and enhance maritime security.
• It serves as a platform for nations to build partnerships, exchange ideas, and share expertise in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India’s growing strategic importance further elevates the significance of the Milan exercise in enhancing maritime security and cooperation.