PolitySource: Times of India
Indian Navy Hosts MILAN Village for International Exercise
Wednesday, 18 February 2026
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Indian Navy has created a dedicated MILAN Village in Visakhapatnam for cultural exchanges during the 13th Exercise MILAN 2026, set for February 15-25, 2026. This exercise will see participation from over 70 countries, including Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE for the first time.
Detailed Coverage
- Indian Navy hosts MILAN Village in Visakhapatnam.
- Facilitates cultural and social exchanges for Exercise MILAN 2026.
- Scheduled from February 15 to 25, 2026.
- Participation from over 70 countries.
- First-time participants include Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE.
- MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise.
- Initially launched in 1995 under the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- Started with four foreign navies: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- Has evolved into a major maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
- Core objectives include fostering mutual understanding and trust.
- Promotes a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.
- Consists of two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.
- Harbour Phase includes seminars and expert exchanges.
- Sea Phase focuses on interoperability and tactical maneuvers.
- Aligns with India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.
- Highlights India's role in international maritime security cooperation.
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