Indian Navy inaugurates MILAN Village at Visakhapatnam as part of Exercise MILAN 2026
The Indian Navy inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 15 February 2026 as part of its multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026.
Summary
The Indian Navy inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 15 February 2026 as part of its multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026. Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, opened the village, an experience zone for cultural exchange among delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries, with folk performances, handicraft and handloom stalls and regional cuisine. MILAN 2026 was scheduled at Visakhapatnam from 15 to 25 February alongside the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs. Static link: MILAN, held biennially since 1995, was not held in 2001 and 2016 because India hosted International Fleet Reviews in those years.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 15 February 2026, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Inaugurated by
- Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, FOC-in-C, ENC
- Participation
- Delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries
- MILAN 2026 dates
- 15–25 February 2026
- Held alongside
- IFR 2026 and IONS Conclave of Chiefs
- Static link
- No MILAN in 2001 and 2016 because of IFRs
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where was the MILAN Village inaugurated on 15 February 2026 as part of Exercise MILAN 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam
The MILAN Village was inaugurated at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.
Who inaugurated the MILAN Village at Visakhapatnam on 15 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, presided over the inauguration.
In which two years was the biennial Exercise MILAN not held because India hosted International Fleet Reviews?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2001 and 2016
MILAN was not held in 2001 and 2016 because of International Fleet Reviews. The 2005 edition was shifted to 2006 after the 2004 tsunami, and 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19.