President Murmu Leads International Fleet Review 2026 at Visakhapatnam 71 Ships 100 Nations
India Hosts Its Grandest Naval Showcase Ever
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 at Visakhapatnam, marking India's most ambitious naval display in history. The event, themed "Bridging Waters, Forging Bonds," brought together 71 ships including 19 foreign warships from navies across the globe, with participation from over 100 nations.
A Display of Naval Power and Diplomacy
The Fleet Review featured an impressive lineup of India's naval might, including the INS Vikrant — India's first indigenous aircraft carrier — as the centerpiece. The presidential review saw warships arrayed in formation across the Bay of Bengal, creating a spectacular maritime spectacle visible from the Visakhapatnam coastline.
Key highlights of the event included:
- 71 warships participating in the review formation
- 19 foreign warships from partner navies
- Exercise MILAN — a multilateral naval exercise running concurrently
- IONS Conclave — Indian Ocean Naval Symposium meetings
- Events spanning February 15-25, 2026
Exercise MILAN and IONS Conclave
Running alongside the Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN brought together naval forces from multiple countries for coordinated drills and interoperability exercises. The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave also convened during this period, providing a diplomatic platform for Indian Ocean littoral states to discuss maritime security cooperation.
India's Maritime Ambitions
The IFR 2026 is more than a parade of ships — it's a strategic statement. By hosting over 100 nations at Visakhapatnam, India is asserting its role as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. The simultaneous hosting of Exercise MILAN and the IONS Conclave demonstrates India's ability to coordinate complex multinational military and diplomatic events.
The Bottom Line
The International Fleet Review 2026 at Visakhapatnam cements India's position as a leading maritime power. With INS Vikrant as its crown jewel, 71 ships in formation, and over 100 nations participating, India has sent an unmistakable message: the Indian Ocean's security architecture runs through New Delhi.