INS Tarangini Arrives for IFR 2026 and MILAN Naval Exercise

Visakhapatnam Hosts Major Maritime Events with Global Participation

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Tarangini is among the notable vessels arriving in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the multinational naval exercise MILAN , commencing February 18. Approximately 75 naval vessels , including 20 foreign warships , are participating in the twin maritime engagements, highlighting India’s expanding naval outreach in the Indo-Pacific.

INS Tarangini’s Maritime Legacy

Commissioned in 1997, INS Tarangini functions as the Indian Navy’s dedicated sail training ship. She achieved distinction during 2003–2004 by becoming the first Indian naval vessel to complete a global circumnavigation . The ship has regularly represented India in international naval ceremonies, including the Sri Lankan Navy’s diamond jubilee International Fleet Review in 2010.

During that event, Tarangini was the only tall ship present and the first vessel reviewed by the Sri Lankan President. Her decks were ceremonially manned by Indian cadets alongside Sri Lankan midshipmen, reflecting maritime goodwill.

INS Vikrant to Headline IFR 2026

India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is expected to be a central attraction at IFR 2026. As India’s first domestically constructed aircraft carrier, Vikrant symbolises progress in naval self-reliance and blue-water operational capability. The Fleet Review serves as a platform to showcase naval strength and indigenous defence manufacturing.

Foreign Naval Participation

Warships from partner nations, including vessels from the Philippines, Maldives, Seychelles and Vietnam, have docked in Visakhapatnam. Their participation underscores growing maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.

Important Facts for Exams

• MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by India.

• IFR is a ceremonial review of naval ships by the Head of State .

• INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier .

• Visakhapatnam hosts the Eastern Naval Command .

Strategic Significance

The concurrent conduct of IFR 2026 and MILAN reinforces India’s emphasis on interoperability, cooperative security and maritime diplomacy, strengthening its strategic presence across the Indo-Pacific.