The vast expanse of the maritime domain has long served as a conduit for global interaction, linking nations across continents. As such, navies worldwide have played a pivotal role as ambassadors, representing their countries’ diplomatic endeavors on the international stage. Situated strategically, the Indian subcontinent has historically been a hub for trade and international relations, facilitating the exchange of cultures, resources, assets, and ideas. In this context, the Indian Navy has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s efforts to maintain diplomatic relations with other nations, both militarily and diplomatically.
Among the various initiatives undertaken by the Indian Navy, the MILAN exercise stands out as a flagship event aimed at fostering camaraderie, cohesion, and collaboration among friendly foreign countries. Initiated in 1995, MILAN has grown into a biennial multinational gathering, symbolizing India’s commitment to international engagement. The exercise aligns seamlessly with India’s broader diplomatic strategies, such as the ‘Act East policy’ and the ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ initiative.
Scheduled to take place from Feb 19th to 27th, 2024 in Visakhapatnam, MILAN 2024 will mark the twelfth edition of this prestigious exercise. With over 51 friendly foreign navies set to participate, MILAN 2024 promises to be the largest-ever gathering of its kind. The exercise will comprise two phases – the Harbour phase and the Sea phase.
Navies from Russia, the US, Iran, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia are set to be among the participating nations. Peru, Canada, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Spain and Yemen, besides others, are among the countries which will be part of the exercise for the first time.
During the Harbour phase, participants will engage in a series of activities aimed at promoting cultural and professional exchanges. These activities include an International Maritime Seminar, an International City Parade, a Maritime Tech Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and various sporting events. The Sea phase, on the other hand, will witness ships and aircraft from participating nations engaging in large-force maneuvers and advanced maritime operations.
Aim of the Drill
The primary objective of MILAN 2024 is to enhance the skills and capabilities of naval personnel across various domains, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface operations. By providing a platform for professional interactions and doctrinal learning, the exercise facilitates the sharing of best practices and procedures among participating navies.
From its modest beginnings in 1995, the MILAN exercise has evolved into a globally recognized event, reflecting India’s commitment to inclusivity and cooperation. As the Indian Navy continues to position itself as the preferred security partner in the region, MILAN 2024 reaffirms India’s dedication to promoting peace and prosperity through diplomatic engagement and maritime cooperation.