On February 19, 2026, the Defence Minister of India inaugurated Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), calling on nations from around the world to work together to address complex and evolving security issues at sea. The chief aim of his speech was to stress that the challenges facing the oceans today can no longer be handled by any one country acting alone.

Exercise MILAN is a multinational naval gathering hosted by the Indian Navy as part of its efforts to strengthen cooperation among maritime forces. This year’s edition is one of the largest ever, with participation from naval chiefs and delegations of many countries who have come together to reinforce collective maritime engagement and support a rules-based order at sea respecting international law and freedom of navigation.

In his remarks during the inauguration, the Defence Minister pointed out that the world’s oceans face a mix of both traditional and new threats. Traditional problems like piracy and maritime terrorism continue, but newer challenges such as illegal fishing, trafficking, cyber threats, and disruptions to crucial sea supply routes have increasingly put pressure on global maritime security. He emphasised that climate change has also made natural disasters more frequent, which in turn demands greater cooperation for humanitarian relief and disaster response at sea.

Because of this changing landscape, the Defence Minister underlined that no single navy no matter how capable, can manage these challenges alone. Cooperation, collaboration and shared responsibility among friendly nations, he said, is now essential to safeguard the seas and ensure peace and stability.

The event also focused on the role of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which offers the legal framework for peaceful and cooperative use of ocean space. The Defence Minister suggested that this framework can be further improved through global naval architecture that enables better information sharing, protection of communication channels, and coordinated action against activities such as terrorism and other criminal acts on the high seas.

He stressed that platforms like MILAN 2026 provide a vital space where naval professionals can share expertise, build trust, enhance their ability to operate together (interoperability), and develop coordinated responses to common maritime challenges. This is especially important as the world’s oceans are deeply interconnected and critical to international trade, economic growth, and security.

MILAN itself has grown significantly since its beginning. What started as a regional naval exercise has transformed over time into a major multinational event, reflecting India’s position as a key maritime nation and a trusted security partner to many countries. The Defence Minister noted that this edition of the exercise is larger and more inclusive than previous ones, and it reflects the confidence that the global maritime community places in India’s role in ensuring ocean security and cooperation.

The gathering also highlights India’s broader maritime vision. Over recent years, India’s approach in the sea domain launched through initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and expanded under Vision MAHASAGAR, which emphasises cooperation, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity among friendly nations across distant oceans. The Defence Minister reiterated that India aims to be a dependable partner in the region and beyond, acting as a Vishwa-Mitra (“friend of the world”) with a constructive and consistent role in maritime affairs.

The exercise features both a harbour phase and a sea phase, during which participating navies conduct various drills and professional exchanges. These include operations and exercises designed to improve operational coordination, increase maritime awareness, and enhance collective defence capabilities.

MILAN 2026 is more than just a naval drill; it is a visible demonstration of nations standing together to face the evolving challenges of the maritime domain. In times of growing complexity in security and climate impacts, the Defence Minister’s message was clear: global fraternity must unite and act together with mutual respect and shared commitment to safeguard the oceans for future generations.