The week-long multi-nation maritime exercise ‘Milan’, which commenced here on Wednesday, will feature a series of complex drills, including anti-submarine warfare operations and live weapons firing.Indian Navy Eastern Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, under whose command the exercise is being hosted, said, “Milan has a set of complex exercises”.Nineteen foreign warships and representatives from 74 countries are participating in the multi-phase exercise scheduled from February 19 to 25.The concept of a ‘Milan’-style engagement began in 1995 with just four participating navies at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As the scope expanded, it was shifted to Visakhapatnam in 2022. The 2022 edition saw participation from 40 countries and 13 ships, while the 2024 edition involved 47 countries and 16 ships, Vice Admiral Bhalla said, outlining its growth.The exercise will have a harbour phase featuring deliberations by subject-matter experts on various issues, followed by operational drills at sea. “The drills are for building mutual understanding and interoperability,” he added.On February 16, Vice Admiral Bhalla inaugurated a cultural and social hub for visiting delegations. The facility provides what officials described as the “lighter side” of engagement, even as warships, submarines, aircraft and helicopters undertake complex maritime exercises in the Bay of Bengal.The ‘village’, conceptualised as an experience zone, is intended to foster camaraderie and friendship among delegates and naval personnel. It serves as a platform for social and cultural exchange beyond professional interactions.Exercise Milan is among the largest multilateral naval engagements in the Indo-Pacific region. It aims to enhance interoperability, maritime domain awareness and collective response capabilities. The operational phase will include anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue, and cooperative security missions, reinforcing what participating navies describe as a commitment to free, open, inclusive and rules-based seas.
