The 12th Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024 (Milan) is scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27. It is expected to witness the largest-ever participation, with over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships from friendly nations joining the event. Milan, which began in 1995, was initially conceived by the Indian Navy in line with India’s ‘Look East Policy’. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, aligning with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (Sagar) initiative. This growth has led to the inclusion of participation from various other Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
The Milan 24 event will feature a range of activities during its harbour phase, including an International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavlamban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, and Milan of Young Officers. Additionally, ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and submarines from Friendly Foreign Countries will participate in the sea phase alongside units from the Indian Navy. It is anticipated that both of India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, will be deployed at the Eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam during the exercise.
The exercise will involve various naval operations, including large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare operations. Milan 22, the previous edition, was conducted in Visakhapatnam from February 25 to March 4, 2022, under the Eastern Naval Command, with the theme ‘Camaraderie–Cohesion–Collaboration’.
Milan has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from the participation of four foreign countries to becoming a major biennial multinational naval exercise. With the need for a larger staging and hosting base, Visakhapatnam was chosen as the preferred venue for future Milan exercises. The city’s attributes, including its status as a major commercial hub, large port, and favourable coastal gradient, make it an ideal location for hosting such events. The scenic view from RK Beach, coupled with excellent infrastructure, enhances the experience for participants and spectators alike.
Milan 24 will consist of two main phases – the harbour phase and the sea phase. The harbour phase aims to promote cultural sharing among participating nations through various events and exhibitions. In contrast, the sea phase will focus on joint naval exercises and operations. Milan serves as a testament to India’s commitment to promoting maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing common challenges and ensuring a secure maritime environment.