Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi has discussed deepening interoperability with the US Navy and on enhancing the scope of maritime exercises between the two sides with the US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen T. Koehler during their meeting in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).
Two military leaders had met on the sidelines of the currently progressing International Fleet Review 2026 and Milan 2026 maritime exercises being hosted by the Indian Navy in this coastal town on the eastern seaboard of India.
The Indian Navy said on Wednesday (February 18) that their meeting focused on the Malabar and Rimpac exercises and on strengthening interoperability between the Indian and US navies, and with navies part of the regional grouping such as the Quad.
“On the sidelines of the maritime convergence of global navies at #Visakhapatnam, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, held bilateral interaction with Adm Stephen T Koehler, Commander, @USPacificFleet. The dialogue reflected shared maritime commitment, and discussions focused on exercises, including MALABAR and RIMPAC, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing avenues for maritime exchanges and cooperation,” the Indian Navy spokesperson wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the Navy chief also met Kyrgyzstan’s Armed Forces Chief and First Deputy Minister of Defence, Col Otonbaev Tariel Zarylbekovich, and Myanmar Navy Chief Vice Admiral Aye Min Htwe.
“Stability at sea carries enduring relevance across geographies. On the sidelines of the International Fleet Review 2026 at #Visakhapatnam, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, held a bilateral interaction with Col Otonbaev Tariel Zarylbekovich, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic and First Deputy Minister of Defence. The interaction reflected shared perspectives and avenues for professional military engagement,” the Navy spokesperson said.
“On the sidelines of the grand maritime convergence at #Visakhapatnam, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, interacted with VAdm Aye Min Htwe, Chief of Staff, Myanmar Navy. The bilateral dialogue underscored ongoing naval engagements and explored avenues for cooperation in maritime exchanges, capacity building, and enhancing operational interoperability,” the Indian Navy wrote in a separate X post.
The International Fleet Review (IFR), one of the largest naval events in independent India, featured 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships, with representation from 65 nations during the Milan exercise.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the converged fleet at sea on February 18, arranged in six lines, including 19 foreign warships and 45 vessels from the Indian Navy. The remaining ships comprise the Coast Guard, Merchant Navy, and research vessels at the fleet review.
The MILAN exercises, which began in 1995 with just four countries, have now expanded to involve 65 navies worldwide. India is hosting the Milan 2026 this time. As part of the celebrations, an International City Parade would also take place on Visakhapatnam’s Beach Road on the evening of February 19.
Seven to eight foreign bands will also perform in the event, with 45 contingents participating in the parade. Notably, INS Vikrant arrived in Visakhapatnam and was part of this grand IFR.
The Indian Navy on Sunday (February 15) inaugurated the MILAN village, created as an experience zone that brings together delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship, the Defence Ministry said.