MILAN 2024: Visakhapatnam To Host Indian Navy's Largest-Ever Multilateral Naval Exercise With Over Fifty Countries And Twenty Ships

The 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise-2024 (MILAN) is set to take place in Visakhapatnam from 19 to 27 February, with an anticipated record participation from over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships from friendly nations.

This flagship event, hosted by the Indian Navy and initiated in 1995, has evolved into a biennial multilateral naval exercise, aligning with India's 'Act East Policy,' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.

As reported by Economic Times, the final Planning Conference for MILAN 2024 recently took place at Visakhapatnam, combining virtual and in-person attendance, with the Chief of Staff (Operations) chairing the event.

The exercise will feature a harbor phase comprising an International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavlamban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, and Milan of Young Officers.

The sea phase will witness the participation of ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and submarines from friendly foreign countries, alongside Indian Navy units.

Both of India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the recently commissioned INS Vikrant, are expected to be deployed at the Eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam during the exercise.

The previous edition, MILAN 2022, conducted off Visakhapatnam, saw the participation of 39 countries.