India hosted the International Fleet Review as Visakhapatnam returned to the centre of global maritime attention on February 19 as part of a convergence of naval diplomacy, operational cooperation, and ceremonial display along its eastern seaboard. According to the details given at the Indian Navy website, the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs will be held in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25. This is the first time India hosts all three major maritime events together. 

R.K. Beach Road turned into a global stage on February 19 for the International City Parade, a key attraction of the International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN 2026. More than 70 countries took part in the event, showcasing maritime strength and cultural diversity.

The parade began at 4 p.m. with an aerial display by Indian Naval fighter aircraft and helicopters. Marching contingents and military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard participated, along with ceremonial units from foreign navies. Cultural troupes and thematic tableaux highlighting India’s maritime legacy and the traditions of visiting nations will add colour to the event.

(Photos by K.R. Deepak)

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Indian Navy’s Marine commandos blast a dummy target in a simulated war scenario during the Operational Demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Fire works light up the sky during the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Russian Federation Ship Marshal Shaposhnikov, an Udaloy-class destroyer frigate of the Russian Navy participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR)-2026, in Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Marine Commandos (Marcos) of the Indian Navy in speed boats giving a demonstration of chasing the enemy at sea during the International Fleet Review 2026, off Visakhapatnam coast on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Naval officers from foreign navies watch the Operational Demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise, in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Malaysia Navy personnel march in perfect formation during the International City Parade held as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN at the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy, along with other ships line during the International Fleet Review 2026, off Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Naval officers from foreign navies watch the Operational Demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise, in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Myanmar Navy personnel march in perfect formation during the International City Parade held as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN at the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Grey Hounds contingent from AP special Forces seen marching down the RK Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The sailors participating in the final dress rehearsals for the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Sea Cadet Corps performing on the RK Beach Road during the final dress rehearsals for the International City Parade in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

An Indian Navy MiG-29K fighter aircraft fires flares during the Operational Demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

An Indian Navy MiG-29K fighter aircrafts fly past in a formation during the Operational Demonstration at the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2026.

Photo:
K.R. Deepak

The crew of the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga, waving to the Presidential Yacht INS Sumedha, during the IFR 2026, off the Visakhapatnam coast on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

The crew of the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga, waving to the Presidential Yacht INS Sumedha, during the IFR 2026, off Visakhapatnam coast on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Sailors and cadets Man the Rails of the training sail ship INS Tarangini as the presidential Yacht passes by during the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam. President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the ships as part of the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.

Photo:
K.R Deepak

Search and rescue operation being displayed in front of the Presidential Yacht during the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu is reviewing the ships as part of the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam.

Published – February 20, 2026 01:13 pm IST


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