Milan 2024: War exercise including 50 Navies kicks off in Vizag

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, on February 21st, formally inaugurated the multilateral Naval exercise 'Milan', in Visakhapatnam. “Our historical experience informs us that Armed Forces also play a significant role in preserving peace. It is seen in concepts and practices such as deterrence, and conflict prevention,” Singh said at the 12th edition of the Milan naval exercise. (Photo/ Agencies)

Indian Navy’s largest-ever multilateral naval exercise - Milan 2024 - kicked off in Vizag city on 19th Feb with several warships from the Indian Navy and foreign navies participating in the Harbour Phase of the event. (Photo/ Agencies)

The Harbour Phase of the exercise from February 19 to 23 involves international city parade on RK Beach location, international maritime seminar, maritime tech expo, Milan village, subject matter expert exchange, Milan of young officers and various sporting events. (Photo/ Agencies)

The nine-day mega naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, with the participation of around 50 navies, came amid the fractious geopolitical environment including growing global concerns over deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea. (Photo/ Agencies)

During the Sea phase from February 24 to 27, participating navies will hold advanced air defence, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare drills. Gunnery shoots on aerial and surface targets, manoeuvres and underway replenishment would be conducted. (Photo/ Agencies)

For the first time, Vizagites will have a glimpse of the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, anchored off the coast of Vizag. The naval officers said for the first time, both the aircraft carriers - INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya - will be present in the city. (Photo/ Agencies)

Navies from the US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, among others, are participating in the 12th edition of the 'Milan' exercise that is aiming to bolster maritime cooperation among like-minded nations. (Photo/ Agencies)

From the Indian Navy, nearly 20 ships including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, and nearly 50 aircraft including MiG 29K, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft are participating in the exercise. (Photo/ Agencies)

Milan is a biennial multinational naval exercise which started in 1995 with the participation of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in consonance with India's 'Look East' policy. The exercise flourished under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command till its 10th edition. (Photo/ Agencies)