Visakhapatnam is gearing up for a grand naval spectacle as President Droupadi Murmu arrives on Tuesday for a two-day visit to attend the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026. As the Supreme Commander of India’s armed forces, she will oversee this prestigious event showcasing maritime prowess and international camaraderie.
The IFR kicks off with a Presidential Banquet on Tuesday, followed by the main fleet review on Wednesday. From a designated spot along the Visakhapatnam coastline, President Murmu will inspect a formidable lineup of 70 warships from India and friendly nations, including submarines and aircraft. This ceremonial gathering underscores India’s maritime strength, mutual cooperation, and commitment to regional security.
Joining the President will be Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (Retd.) and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Indian Navy emphasizes that the event symbolizes naval power projection and sovereign vigilance over oceanic domains. India has hosted IFR previously in Mumbai in 2001 and Visakhapatnam in 2016, drawing massive international participation.
A highlight will be INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, which played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor. During that operation, Vikrant’s carrier battle group formed the core of the Navy’s attacking deterrent posture, forcing the adversary into a defensive stance and prompting a swift ceasefire request. Foreign navies will get an up-close view of this technological marvel.
The festivities extend beyond the review with an international city parade, cultural shows, and public engagement programs celebrating global maritime heritage. Concurrently, Visakhapatnam hosts the 13th edition of MILAN 26, a multilateral exercise led by the Eastern Naval Command in the Bay of Bengal, inviting over 135 nations to foster professional ties, share expertise, and enhance maritime collaboration through joint operations.
Adding to the trio of mega events is the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium conference. This marks the first time India is hosting these three significant maritime gatherings simultaneously, reinforcing its stature as a key player in Indo-Pacific security. Past IFRs set benchmarks: in 2001, President K.R. Narayanan reviewed the fleet from INS Sujata, while in 2016, President Pranab Mukherjee did so from INS Sumitra alongside PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, with around 100 warships from 50 countries—the largest assembly in Indian waters then.