India hosted the International Fleet Review as Visakhapatnam returned to the global maritime spotlight on 19 February as part of a convergence of naval diplomacy, operational cooperation and ceremonial display along its eastern coast. According to details given on the Indian Navy website, Visakhapatnam will host the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Chiefs Conclave from February 15 to 25. This is the first time that India is hosting all three major naval events together.
On February 19, RK Beach Road turned into a global stage for the International City Parade, a key attraction of the International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN 2026. More than 70 countries participated in the event, showcasing naval power and cultural diversity.
The parade started at 4 pm with an aerial display of fighter jets and helicopters of the Indian Navy. Marching contingents and military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard participated, along with ceremonial units from foreign navies. Cultural ensembles and themed paintings highlighting India’s maritime heritage and the traditions of visiting nations will add color to the event.
(Photo by KR Deepak)
Photo: KR Deepak
A naval commando of the Indian Navy detonates a mock target in a simulated war scenario during an operational demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Fireworks light up the sky during the International City Parade, the highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Russian Federation Ship Marshal Shaposhnikov, a Russian Navy Udaloy-class destroyer frigate participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR)-2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Indian Navy Marine Commandos (Marcos) in speedboats performing a demonstration of pursuit of the enemy at sea during the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Naval officers of foreign navies watch an operational demonstration at the International City Parade, the highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026, in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Malaysian Navy personnel march in perfect formation during the International City Parade held as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
The Indian Navy’s own aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joins with other ships during the International Fleet Review 2026 off Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Naval officers of foreign navies watch an operational demonstration at the International City Parade, the highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026, in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Myanmar Navy personnel march in perfect formation during the International City Parade held as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
A contingent of Gray Hounds of the AP Special Forces are seen marching along RK Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Sailors taking part in final dress rehearsals at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Sea Cadet Corps performing at RK Beach Road during the final dress rehearsal of the International City Parade in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
An Indian Navy MiG-29K fighter jet fires flares during an operational demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
MiG-29K fighter jets of the Indian Navy fly past in formation during an operational demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing naval exercise MILAN-2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
The crew of the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga wave to the presidential yacht INS Sumedha during IFR 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on 18 February 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
The crew of the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga wave to the presidential yacht INS Sumedha during IFR 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on 18 February 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
Sailors and cadets Man the Rails training sailing vessel INS Tarangini as the presidential yacht passes by during the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam. President Droupadi Murmu inspected the ships as part of the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam on 18 February 2026.
Photo: KR Deepak
A search and rescue operation is pictured in front of the presidential yacht during the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu inspects ships as part of the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
Published – 20 Feb 2026 13:13 IST