President Droupadi Murmu will review an international naval fleet off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Wednesday as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR), showcasing India’s expanding naval capabilities.
India is set to mark its presence on the global maritime platform through the International Fleet Review and Milan 2026 being held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. During the event, the President will take the salute of the international naval fleet.
The programme is being conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam, known as the ‘City of Destiny’. President Murmu will embark on the indigenous warship INS Sumedha to inspect the international fleet positioned in the Bay of Bengal. A total of 71 warships and submarines from the Indian Navy and friendly foreign nations are participating in the Fleet Review. The event also reflects coordination among participating navies and cooperation in maritime security and strategic engagement.
More than 50 fighter aircraft and helicopters will conduct a fly-past in salute to the President during the ceremony. These include MiG-29K, HAL Tejas, P-8I Neptune and Sea King helicopters. In addition, the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) will demonstrate combat skills and special operations capabilities at sea. The MARCOS are counted among the world’s most proficient marine commando forces.
Milan 2026 is being held alongside the International Fleet Review and is one of the major multinational naval exercises. Its objective is to strengthen coordination, mutual trust and maritime security cooperation among friendly navies. This year, 75 countries and 65 navies are participating. Warships, maritime aircraft and military delegations from various countries are attending the event.
The programme also forms part of India’s maritime diplomacy efforts. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India is undertaking the role of a security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Through IFR and Milan 2026, India is conveying its commitment to regional stability, the security of maritime trade routes and disaster relief operations.
The tradition of Fleet Reviews in India began in 1953, when then President Dr Rajendra Prasad reviewed 33 Indian ships. The event was also held in Visakhapatnam in 2016. The current edition is being conducted alongside Milan 2026, reflecting India’s naval capabilities, indigenous defence production and expanding global partnerships.
