New Delhi witnessed a landmark moment as Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi inaugurated the 13th edition of the multinational naval exercise MILAN, dubbing it the ‘Maritime Kumbh Mela.’ Addressing delegates from 74 nations, the Admiral emphasized that a secure ocean is the bedrock of global security. ‘If the seas are safe, the world is safe,’ he declared, underscoring the need for collective action amid rising maritime threats.
This biennial event, hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995, has evolved into the world’s largest gathering of naval forces, symbolizing trust, interoperability, and partnership. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s presence highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to maritime security. Admiral Tripathi noted that challenges like piracy, smuggling, terrorism, and natural disasters transcend borders, demanding unified strategies and joint operations.
Drawing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region—the Navy Chief reaffirmed India’s belief in equitable partnerships. ‘Every nation brings unique strengths; together, they form collective power,’ he stated. The Indian Navy is intensifying collaborations at global, regional, and bilateral levels, including joint deployments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under IOS Sagar, new exercises with African navies, and rapid assistance to neighbors during crises, aligning with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
Over the coming days, participating navies will engage in complex sea maneuvers, strategic dialogues, and cultural exchanges to foster stronger ties. Admiral Tripathi hailed MILAN as a platform where diverse forces converge for a shared goal: keeping oceans safe, secure, and open for all. As a maritime nation, India fully grasps the interconnected nature of modern threats, with cooperation as the only viable path forward.
Recent initiatives like IOS Sagar 2.0 in April and the Africa-India Maritime Cooperation exercise demonstrate that strong intent overcomes distances. The Admiral expressed confidence that MILAN 2026 will mark a historic milestone, propelling efforts toward secure seas and advancing global maritime stability.