MILAN Village Opens in Visakhapatnam For Indian Navy Kicks Off Exercise MILAN 2026

The Indian Navy inaugurated the MILAN Village on February 15, 2026, at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The event marks the formal commencement of Exercise MILAN 2026, one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, who formally opened the village for participating navies from over 70 countries, highlighting India’s expanding maritime outreach.

What Is MILAN Village and Why It Matters?

The MILAN Village is a specially curated experience zone designed to foster camaraderie and cultural exchange among naval delegates. It serves as a social and cultural hub where professional engagement blends with friendship and cooperation.

Key features include,

• Participation from 70+ countries
• Cultural performances and folk dances
• Handicraft and handloom stalls
• Naval souvenir exhibitions
• Regional Indian cuisine

The village reflects the theme of MILAN 2026 “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration.”

Exercise MILAN 2026: A Major Maritime Convergence

Exercise MILAN 2026 will be held from 15 to 25 February 2026 in Visakhapatnam. It forms part of a historic maritime convergence alongside,

• International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR 2026)
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs

The exercise will include both Harbour Phase and Sea Phase operations, focusing on,

• Anti-submarine warfare
• Air defence drills
• Search and rescue missions
• Cooperative maritime security operations

These activities aim to enhance interoperability and collective response capabilities.

Strengthening India’s MAHASAGAR Vision

MILAN 2026 represents an operational manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

The exercise reinforces India’s role as,

• A Preferred Security Partner
• A responsible stakeholder in global maritime commons
• A promoter of free, open, inclusive, and rules-based seas
• By hosting navies from across the globe, India strengthens maritime domain awareness and cooperative security frameworks.

Cultural Diplomacy Through MILAN Village

The MILAN Village emphasizes India’s rich cultural diversity. Delegates will experience,

• Live vocal performances
• Traditional folk dances
• Showcases of Indian craftsmanship
• Diverse regional cuisines

This cultural engagement complements professional naval exercises, creating long-lasting bonds between participating nations.

Evolution of Exercise MILAN

• Exercise MILAN began in 1995 as a biennial naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
• Initially limited to a few regional partners, it has grown into a major multilateral maritime event.
• Over the years, MILAN has expanded in scale and complexity, reflecting India’s increasing maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
• The 2026 edition, held in Visakhapatnam, stands out due to its scale and its convergence with IFR 2026 and the IONS Conclave.

Question

Q. Exercise MILAN 2026 is hosted by which organisation?

A) Indian Coast Guard
B) Indian Navy
C) DRDO
D) Ministry of Defence