Officials gathered in Amaravati to plan for the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) and Milan-2026 events set to take place in Visakhapatnam on February 18 and 19, respectively. President Droupadi Murmu will assess the Indian Navy’s capabilities during the IFR, which will see participation from 19 countries, including Sri Lanka and Iran, with around 4,000 delegates attending.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to participate in Milan-2026, a program focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and maritime operational capabilities. Vice Admiral Sushil Menon and naval officers from the Eastern Naval Command met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand to coordinate logistics for the events, highlighting the involvement of numerous ships, aircraft, and delegates from various nations.
The International Fleet Review will witness the presence of three ships and approximately 150 delegates from the USA, Germany, and France, alongside 90 ships, 45 aircraft, and about 600 delegates from India. Notable dignitaries like President Murmu, Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (retd), and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu are expected to attend the Fleet Review and the International City Parade.
Assurances were given by the Chief Secretary to the Eastern Naval Command officers regarding the state government’s full support to ensure the success of the events. Specific instructions were issued to relevant department officials to make necessary arrangements, especially in terms of security, considering the attendance of VVIPs like the President, Defence Minister, Governor, and Chief Minister.
