India is set to host three major international maritime events from 15 to 25 Feb 2026, at Visakhapatnam, one of India’s premier naval hubs on the eastern coast. The Indian Navy on Friday (October 31, 2025) announced that the International Fleet Review (IFR) will be held during the month, with President Droupadi Murmu reviewing the participating fleets on February 18, 2026.
Marking a key moment in India’s growing maritime diplomacy and naval outreach, the IFR 2026 will coincide with two other major multilateral gatherings — the Milan 2026 naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) — making it one of the largest combined maritime engagements ever hosted by India.
International Fleet Review 2026: Who is participating?
Both the United States and Russia have confirmed their participation, with plans to send warships and aircraft to the fleet review and related events. Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said, “Both the US and Russia have confirmed participation in the international fleet review and Milan exercise. They would be sending their ships. Some aircraft are also expected.”
So far, over 55 countries have expressed their willingness to attend IFR, Milan, and IONS — a number that could grow as more confirmations come in closer to the event. “We expect participation to exceed 55 nations,” Vatsayan added, emphasising that geopolitical factors may still influence the final count.
What will be India’s major showcases at IFR 2026?
For the first time, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will feature in an International Fleet Review, symbolising the Navy’s self-reliance and shipbuilding prowess. The event will also highlight the Kalvari-class submarines, part of India’s rapidly modernizing undersea fleet.
These platforms will form the centrepiece of India’s naval display — underlining its transition into a blue-water navy capable of sustained power projection and maritime security operations.
Navy playing a balancing act between operations and diplomacy?
Vice Admiral Vatsayan underscored that ongoing operational commitments, including Operation Sindoor, will not affect India’s engagement with global navies. “India’s message is simple — there is no pause in our foreign interactions or exercises. We are prepared and deployed for Operation Sindoor while continuing with our planned international engagements,” he stated.
The statement is a clear reflection of India’s determination to maintain operational readiness while advancing its diplomatic and cooperative naval agenda in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
How is the Navy monitoring the Indian Ocean Region?
Vatsayan highlighted that the Indian Navy remains vigilant about the growing presence of extra-regional powers in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). “At any given point, we track between 40 and 50 foreign warships operating in the region. We monitor every movement, every operation — when they enter, when they leave,” the Vice Admiral shared.
He also noted emerging security concerns, from piracy and human trafficking to narcotics smuggling, stressing that the Navy is fully prepared to handle any contingency in the IOR.
What are the Navy’s current and upcoming inductions?
Outlining the Navy’s ongoing modernization drive, Vice Admiral Vatsayan revealed that 10 ships and one submarine have been inducted this year, with four more vessels expected before December-end. “Next year, we are expecting around 19 vessels to be inducted, and another 13 ships in the following year. Most will be commissioned by December.”
By bringing together navies from the US, Russia, and over 50 other nations, IFR 2026 will serve as a platform for maritime diplomacy and interoperability, projecting India’s image as a stabilizing maritime power in the Indo-Pacific. Alongside the Milan exercise and IONS forum, the event will reaffirm India’s commitment to “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).