Key Facts and Data Points
- 13th Exercise MILAN conducted from 15‑25 February 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
- Over 70 foreign navies participated, with Germany, the Philippines and the UAE joining for the first time.
- A dedicated MILAN Village was set up to facilitate cultural and social exchanges among delegates.
- Phases:
- Harbour Phase – seminars, expert exchanges, policy dialogues.
- Sea Phase – interoperability drills, HADR, anti‑submarine warfare, tactical manoeuvres.
Background and Context
- Inception: Launched in 1995 under the Andaman and Nicobar Command with just four foreign navies – Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
- Evolution: Grew into one of the largest maritime engagements in the Indo‑Pacific, reflecting India's expanding naval diplomacy.
- Frequency: Biennial (once every two years).
Significance for India / Governance / Policy
- Act East Policy (2014): MILAN provides a platform to deepen maritime cooperation with East‑Asian nations.
- MAHASAGAR Vision: Aligns with India’s ambition to be a net‑security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Rules‑Based Maritime Order: Enhances mutual trust, promotes freedom of navigation and counters coercive maritime behaviour.
- Strategic Outreach: Inclusion of new participants (Germany, UAE, Philippines) expands India’s security network beyond traditional partners.
Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions
- Article 246 – Union List: Defence and naval matters are under the Union Government’s jurisdiction.
- Foreign Policy Framework: Guided by the Constitution’s directive to maintain peaceful relations with other states (Art. 51‑i).
- Maritime Zones Act, 2017: Provides legal basis for India’s activities in its EEZ and continental shelf, supporting exercises like MILAN.
Implications for UPSC
- Prelims: Factual recall – dates, participating countries, objectives.
- Mains: Analytical essays on India’s maritime strategy, Indo‑Pacific security architecture, and the role of naval diplomacy.
References