Vizag returns to global spotlight as India hosts major naval events

Visakhapatnam: Vizag city on the eastern seaboard will return to the centre of global maritime attention of the decade from February 15 to 25, as the Indian Navy geared up to host the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs in Vizag city. This will be the first time India hosts all 3 major maritime events together. Arrangements are being made for the prestigious naval events. This triple assembly marks the largest gathering of global maritime forces ever hosted by India.India hosted the IFR twice earlier, in Mumbai in 2001 and in Vizag in 2016. The 2026 edition of IFR, returning to Vizag city after a decade, arrived at a markedly different moment in India's naval journey.
The IFR-2026 will commence in Vizag city with the Presidential Banquet on Feb 17 evening. The Banquet will be graced by the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces (President of India), Droupadi Murmu, along with eminent international, national and state dignitaries, including political representatives, heads of delegations from participating nations, and senior military and govt officials. The Presidential Banquet will serve as the formal start of the IFR proceedings.All focus on INS Vikrant Among the three naval events, the IFR is the most prestigious naval ceremony in which warships, submarines, and aircraft from friendly nations assemble at sea to showcase their capabilities and foster maritime cooperation. India's indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which played a major role during Operation Sindoor, will be the centre of attraction for the IFR-2026.President Droupadi Murmuwill review the assembled fleet (around 70 ships from India and friendly foreign countries) at the review anchorage area off Visakhapatnam on February 18 morning. INS Sumedha, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), will have the President embarked on board as the Presidential Yacht and will lead the Presidential Column.In addition to anchored ships of various friendly foreign countries and India, the review will also feature a steam past by mobile columns of warships and submarines, and a flypast by naval aircraft. Several enthralling activities, such as a parade of sailing vessels, a search and rescue demonstration by helicopters, and a display by marine commandos, are also included in the Fleet Review.Spectacular city paradeApart from naval displays at sea, the IFR will also include the International City Parade, cultural exhibitions, and public engagement programmes to celebrate global maritime heritage. The International City Parade will be held on February 19 evening at the RK Beach stretch in Vizag city and will commence with an air power demonstration by Indian naval aircraft and helicopters. This will be followed by the City Parade, featuring marching contingents and military bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, alongside foreign contingents with their ceremonial bands.The parade will also include participation from the National Cadet Corps, Sea Cadet Corps, and Navy Children School, reflecting the spirit of the youth. A harmonious fusion of military ceremony, culture, and art, the city parade will blend vibrant cultural troupes with artistic tableaux that celebrate India's maritime heritage and diversity. The City Parade will culminate with a ceremonial illumination of ships anchored off the coast, followed by a synchronised display of fireworks, laser lights, and drone formations. Together, these events will offer a fitting celebratory finale to IFR-2026.gfxIndia's Naval ShowcaseVizag hosted IFR in 2016, where 50 countries participatedIFR-2026 will showcase indigenous ships, aircraft carriers, and destroyersIFR reflects India's transformation into a builder's navyPresident Droupadi Murmu will conduct the fleet review on Feb 18Vizag city will host a colourful International City Parade on Feb 19 eveningOver 8,000 police personnel deployed for security for IFR and the City ParadeINS Vikrant is likely to be the centre of attraction during IFR-2026IFRs are typically held every few years and serve as a platform for defence diplomacy