Milan Village Opens in Visakhapatnam as MILAN-2026 Unites 70 Nations

The Indian Navy inaugurated the vibrant Milan Village in Visakhapatnam as part of the multinational naval exercise MILAN-2026 , bringing together naval representatives from more than 70 countries and reinforcing India’s growing maritime partnerships. Established under the Eastern Naval Command and inaugurated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla , the village serves as a cultural and interaction hub designed to strengthen camaraderie, professional exchange and mutual understanding among participating navies. Built around the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation and Coordination,” the village showcases India’s cultural diversity through folk dances , traditional music, art displays and stalls featuring handloom textiles , handicrafts and naval memorabilia , while food courts offering regional cuisines provide delegates with a “Mini India” experience that highlights India’s soft-power outreach alongside defence diplomacy.

First launched in 1995 , the MILAN exercise has evolved into one of the region’s largest multilateral naval engagements , underscoring India’s commitment to cooperative maritime security, interoperability and information sharing among friendly navies. Vice Admiral Bhalla emphasized that cultural engagement complements operational cooperation and helps build trust among partner nations. Hosting such global naval events has strengthened Visakhapatnam’s profile as India’s premier eastern naval hub in the Bay of Bengal , supporting the country’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific partnerships . The MILAN-2026 exercise, scheduled from February 15 to 25 , is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase , featuring planning conferences and cultural interactions, and the Sea Phase , which includes complex drills such as anti-submarine warfare , air-defence manoeuvres and search-and-rescue operations to enhance collective readiness against maritime threats and humanitarian emergencies.

President Droupadi Murmu is visiting Visakhapatnam on February 17–18 and will attend the prestigious International Fleet Review on February 18, where she will witness naval ships, aircraft and operational capabilities showcased by participating nations, symbolizing unity and shared commitment to secure seas. MILAN-2026 also reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions highlighting India’s role as a responsible maritime power advocating free and open sea lanes, freedom of navigation and collaborative security in the Indo-Pacific.