India Excludes China, Pakistan, and Turkiye from 2026 International Fleet Review

• India has decided not to invite China, Pakistan, and Turkiye to the third International Fleet Review (IFR) scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 . The event will be reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu and held alongside the Milan multilateral naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) . So far, 55 countries , including the United States and Russia , have confirmed participation, showcasing India’s growing naval stature.

Key Highlights

• Event: 3rd International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026

• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

• Date: February 2026

• Reviewed by: President Droupadi Murmu

• Theme: “United Through Oceans”

• Associated Events: Milan 2026 and IONS

Reason for Exclusion

According to Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan , China, Pakistan, and Turkiye have not been invited.

• Pakistan has been consistently excluded from Indian defence exercises due to adversarial relations.

• Turkiye was dropped for supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor .

• China was left out amid rising tensions and its expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) .

Participation and Strategic Cooperation

• Over 55 nations are expected to join the IFR with naval ships, aircraft, and delegations. The participation of both the US and Russia reflects India’s balanced maritime diplomacy and strategic importance. The event aims to promote joint drills , mutual cooperation , and dialogue among global navies to enhance maritime security.

Historical Background

• The tradition of Fleet Reviews dates back to the 18th century Maratha Navy .

• The first Presidential Fleet Review was conducted in 1953 by President Rajendra Prasad .

• Since then, India has held ten Presidential Fleet Reviews , evolving the practice from a national display to an international naval diplomacy platform .

Vision and Objectives

The theme “United Through Oceans” reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the seas as shared spaces promoting global trade, peace, and cooperation. The Milan 2026 exercise, held concurrently, will carry the motto “Camaraderie, Cooperation and Collaboration” , highlighting India’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security and maritime partnerships .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Event: International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026