Road to MILAN 2026: From Vision to Execution: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks the strategic evolution of India's maritime leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Starting with the 2025 announcement of the 'MAHASAGAR' vision—a sophisticated upgrade to PM Modi's original SAGAR policy—India systematically planned and executed its largest-ever multilateral naval exercise, MILAN 2026. The arc transitions from high-level strategic planning in late 2025 to a multi-theater military schedule in early 2026, culminating in a 10-day diplomatic and operational showcase at Visakhapatnam. It highlights India's role as a 'Preferred Security Partner' and its ability to coordinate complex, multi-navy drills including anti-submarine warfare and air defense with dozens of participating nations.

How This Story Evolved

Announcement of MAHASAGAR vision and MILAN structure (Nov 2025) → Confirmation of 2026 military schedule (Jan 2026) → Hosting of the event and International Fleet Review (Feb 2026)

1. 2025-11-01: Exercise MILAN 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to host Exercise MILAN 2026, IFR, and IONS Conclave.

   Key Facts:

   • Dual-Phase Structure: The exercise will comprise Harbour and Sea phases, focusing on both operational drills and strategic-level exchanges.
   • Advanced Naval Drills: Includes anti-submarine warfare, air defence, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue operations, enhancing multi-navy interoperability.
   • International City Parade: A grand parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, showcasing maritime diplomacy to the public.
2. 2026-01-08: India's Military Exercises in 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to participate in MILAN 2026 and Vayu Samanvay-II exercises.

   Key Facts:

   • MILAN 2026: Multilateral naval exercise in Visakhapatnam
   • Vayu Samanvay-II: Counter-drone exercise in the Thar Desert
   • Poorvi Prachand Prahar: Tri-service military exercise in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
   • Exercise Malabar-2025: A significant multilateral naval exercise involving QUAD nations—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—scheduled for Guam in the Northern Pacific
   • MITRA SHAKTI-2025: A joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, occurring at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka
   • Exercise Suryakiran: A bilateral military exercise between India and Nepal, set for Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
3. 2026-02-02: India to Host Major Maritime Events in Visakhapatnam
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India hosting IFR 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, IONS Conclave in Visakhapatnam.

   Key Facts:

   • India will host International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
   • Events scheduled from February 15-25, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.
   • First time India conducts these major maritime events simultaneously.
   • Events realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) announced in 2025.
   • Invitations extended to navies across the globe to participate.
   • Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by the President of India will showcase indigenous platforms.
   • INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier) will be showcased.
   • Exercise MILAN focuses on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
   • International City Parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force.
4. 2026-02-17: Milan Village Inaugurated as Part of MILAN-2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Milan Village inaugurated for MILAN-2026, strengthening maritime partnerships.

   Key Facts:

   • Milan Village inauguration: Visakhapatnam
   • Multinational naval exercise: MILAN-2026
   • Participants: Naval representatives from over 70 countries
   • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla inaugurated the village
   • MILAN-2026 dates: February 15-25
5. 2026-02-12: India, Japan, Indonesia conduct trilateral naval exercise in Andaman Sea
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India, Japan, Indonesia conduct trilateral naval exercise.

   Key Facts:

   • Trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea on February 13, 2026.
   • Participating countries: India, Japan, and Indonesia.
6. 2026-02-19: India hosts International Fleet Review & Exercise MILAN 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India hosts International Fleet Review & Exercise MILAN 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • 13th edition of the Indian Navy's multilateral naval exercise
   • Includes a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase
   • First-time participation of naval assets from Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE
   • India is hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN in Visakhapatnam.
   • 70 countries are participating in Exercise MILAN and IFR 2026.
   • President Droupadi Murmu visited Visakhapatnam on February 18.
   • India's indigenous naval prowess is on full display.
   • Exercise MILAN is the world's largest multilateral naval manoeuvring.
7. 2026-02-22: India Assumes Chairmanship of IONS
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India assumes Chairmanship of IONS after 16 years.

   Key Facts:

   • Organization: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
   • Chairmanship assumed by: Indian Navy
   • Chair of IONS: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff
   • Key initiatives: IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), IOS SAGAR missions with multinational participation, Maritime Information Sharing Workshops
   • India assumed chairmanship of IONS for 2026-2028.
   • Took over from Thailand.
   • Second tenure as Chair since IONS was launched in 2008.

Genesis

Trigger

The formal announcement of the MAHASAGAR vision and the structure of MILAN 2026 on November 1, 2025.

Why Now

The vision was launched to operationalize 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement' in response to increasing maritime competition and the need for a unified security architecture in the IOR.

Historical Context

MILAN began in 1995 with just four navies (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand) at Port Blair. Its 2026 iteration reflects a massive scale-up in both geography (moving to the mainland at Visakhapatnam) and complexity.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-11-01] Announcement of the dual-phase structure for MILAN 2026

   It shifted the exercise from a purely social naval gathering to a high-end combat training event.

   Before: MILAN was primarily a 'Harbour Phase' diplomatic event. After: It incorporates intense 'Sea Phase' drills like anti-submarine warfare.

2. [2026-02-15] Simultaneous hosting of IFR, MILAN, and IONS

   First time India combined these three major maritime pillars into a single window.

   Before: Events were held separately or biennially without synchronization. After: Created a concentrated 'Maritime Power Month' for Indian diplomacy.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Indian Navy (IN)
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
• International Fleet Review (IFR)
• QUAD (relevant via Malabar-2025 mentions)

Key Concepts

MAHASAGAR Vision

A 2025 policy evolution focusing on 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' to deepen maritime cooperation.

Current Fact: Announced in Nov 2025 as the guiding principle for the 2026 maritime events in Visakhapatnam.

Interoperability

The ability of different military forces to operate together effectively using shared communication, tactics, and technology.

Current Fact: MILAN 2026 features advanced drills in anti-submarine warfare and air defence to test this capability.

IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium)

A voluntary initiative seeking to increase maritime co-operation among the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Current Fact: The 'Conclave of Chiefs' is scheduled to run alongside MILAN from February 15-25, 2026.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of February 2, 2026, the Indian Navy is in the final execution phase for the simultaneous hosting of IFR, MILAN, and IONS (February 15-25).

Likely Next

Post-exercise analysis of interoperability data and the signing of maritime security MoUs during the IONS Conclave of Chiefs.

Wildcards

Sudden maritime incidents in the Red Sea or South China Sea that could divert participating naval assets away from the exercise.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India
• Security challenges and their management in border areas
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Essay Angles

• India as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean
• Naval Diplomacy: The Soft Power of Hard Assets
• From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: The Evolution of India’s Blue Water Strategy

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Testing the nature and chairmanship of IONS. — The 2026 Arc shows the progression of IONS from a 'voluntary initiative' to a 'Conclave of Chiefs' integrated with major naval drills.
• Location of MILAN 2020. — Direct factual link—MILAN has moved from Port Blair (historical) to Visakhapatnam (current/2026), reflecting its growing scale.

Prelims Angles

• Location: Visakhapatnam (not Port Blair) is the venue for MILAN 2026.
• Phases: MILAN consists of both Harbour and Sea phases.
• Vision: MAHASAGAR stands for 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions'.
• Schedule: February 15-25, 2026, includes IFR, MILAN, and IONS simultaneously.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Analyze how Exercise MILAN 2026 and the MAHASAGAR vision represent a shift in India’s maritime strategy from 'regional participation' to 'regional leadership'.

Answer Structure: Intro (Define MILAN 2026 and MAHASAGAR) → The Strategic Shift (From Port Blair to Visakhapatnam; from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR) → Operational Significance (Interoperability, IFR, IONS) → Diplomatic Significance (Net Security Provider role) → Conclusion (India's role in a multipolar IOR).

Essay Topic: The Ocean as a Bridge: Reimagining India's Maritime Destiny in the 21st Century.

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

MILAN 2026 marks the transition of the Indian Navy from a regional player to a global convener, operationalizing the MAHASAGAR vision through the unprecedented synchronization of diplomatic, tactical, and symbolic maritime events.

All Events in This Story (7 items)

1. 2025-11-01 [Defense & Security] — Exercise MILAN 2026
   India will host a historic maritime convergence in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, featuring the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN 2026, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs, under the MAHASAGAR vision. Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995, aimed at fostering naval diplomacy, interoperability, and regional maritime cooperation.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to host Exercise MILAN 2026, IFR, and IONS Conclave.

   Key Facts:

   • Dual-Phase Structure: The exercise will comprise Harbour and Sea phases, focusing on both operational drills and strategic-level exchanges.
   • Advanced Naval Drills: Includes anti-submarine warfare, air defence, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue operations, enhancing multi-navy interoperability.
   • International City Parade: A grand parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, the Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, showcasing maritime diplomacy to the public.
2. 2026-01-08 [Defense & Security] — India's Military Exercises in 2026
   India is scheduled to participate in various military exercises in 2026, including multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 at Visakhapatnam, counter-drone exercise Vayu Samanvay-II in the Thar Desert, and tri-service exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh. These exercises aim to enhance combat readiness and interoperability with partner nations.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to participate in MILAN 2026 and Vayu Samanvay-II exercises.

   Key Facts:

   • MILAN 2026: Multilateral naval exercise in Visakhapatnam
   • Vayu Samanvay-II: Counter-drone exercise in the Thar Desert
   • Poorvi Prachand Prahar: Tri-service military exercise in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
   • Exercise Malabar-2025: A significant multilateral naval exercise involving QUAD nations—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—scheduled for Guam in the Northern Pacific
   • MITRA SHAKTI-2025: A joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, occurring at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka
   • Exercise Suryakiran: A bilateral military exercise between India and Nepal, set for Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
3. 2026-02-02 [Defense & Security] — India to Host Major Maritime Events in Visakhapatnam
   India will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25, 2026, marking the first time India conducts these events simultaneously. The events aim to operationalize PM Modi's MAHASAGAR vision and highlight India's commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India hosting IFR 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, IONS Conclave in Visakhapatnam.

   Key Facts:

   • India will host International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
   • Events scheduled from February 15-25, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.
   • First time India conducts these major maritime events simultaneously.
   • Events realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) announced in 2025.
   • Invitations extended to navies across the globe to participate.
   • Presidential Fleet Review at Sea by the President of India will showcase indigenous platforms.
   • INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier) will be showcased.
   • Exercise MILAN focuses on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
   • International City Parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, featuring contingents from participating navies, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force.
4. 2026-02-17 [Defense & Security] — Milan Village Inaugurated as Part of MILAN-2026
   The Indian Navy inaugurated Milan Village in Visakhapatnam for the multinational naval exercise MILAN-2026, uniting representatives from over 70 countries to strengthen maritime partnerships. The village acts as a cultural hub to promote camaraderie and understanding. President Murmu will attend the International Fleet Review on February 18.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Milan Village inaugurated for MILAN-2026, strengthening maritime partnerships.

   Key Facts:

   • Milan Village inauguration: Visakhapatnam
   • Multinational naval exercise: MILAN-2026
   • Participants: Naval representatives from over 70 countries
   • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla inaugurated the village
   • MILAN-2026 dates: February 15-25
5. 2026-02-12 [International Relations] — India, Japan, Indonesia conduct trilateral naval exercise in Andaman Sea
   On February 13, 2026, ships from the navies of India, Japan, and Indonesia conducted a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea, enhancing combined operational readiness, interoperability, and reinforcing maritime cooperation towards a safe, secure, and stable region.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India, Japan, Indonesia conduct trilateral naval exercise.

   Key Facts:

   • Trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea on February 13, 2026.
   • Participating countries: India, Japan, and Indonesia.
6. 2026-02-19 [Defense & Security] — India hosts International Fleet Review & Exercise MILAN 2026
   India is hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN, a multilateral naval exercise, in Visakhapatnam, showcasing its indigenous naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security. Over 70 countries are participating in these events, highlighting India's role as a trusted maritime partner and its vision for defence indigenisation and self-reliance. President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the fleets and reiterated the Indian Navy's role as a 'first responder' in the Indian Ocean Region.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India hosts International Fleet Review & Exercise MILAN 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • 13th edition of the Indian Navy's multilateral naval exercise
   • Includes a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase
   • First-time participation of naval assets from Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE
   • India is hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN in Visakhapatnam.
   • 70 countries are participating in Exercise MILAN and IFR 2026.
   • President Droupadi Murmu visited Visakhapatnam on February 18.
   • India's indigenous naval prowess is on full display.
   • Exercise MILAN is the world's largest multilateral naval manoeuvring.
7. 2026-02-22 [International Relations] — India Assumes Chairmanship of IONS
   The Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from the Royal Thai Navy, marking India's return to leadership after 16 years. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, assumed charge as Chair of IONS. India announced the conduct of IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), continued deployment of IOS SAGAR missions with multinational participation, and organization of Maritime Information Sharing Workshops and professional dialogues.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India assumes Chairmanship of IONS after 16 years.

   Key Facts:

   • Organization: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
   • Chairmanship assumed by: Indian Navy
   • Chair of IONS: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff
   • Key initiatives: IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), IOS SAGAR missions with multinational participation, Maritime Information Sharing Workshops
   • India assumed chairmanship of IONS for 2026-2028.
   • Took over from Thailand.
   • Second tenure as Chair since IONS was launched in 2008.