When dawn breaks over the Bay of Bengal, India’s warships rise on the horizon. The sight signals more than just naval strength; it symbolizes identity and national intent. The International Fleet Review (IFR) is one such event where the sea mirrors India’s aspirations and maritime strategy. Although it might seem like a ceremonial display, it is far more than that. It is a moment for India to assert its presence, reassure partners, and demonstrate resolve.
India has always had a deep connection to the sea, with ancient sailors trading across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the country’s focus shifted inward. As global trade and geopolitics increasingly turned toward maritime power, India began renewing its strategic interest in the oceans. Today, the Indian Navy serves as a vital tool for diplomacy and influence, exemplified by the IFR and Exercise MILAN.
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The Significance of Fleet Reviews
Fleet Reviews are often misunderstood as mere ceremonial events, with ships and polished decks on display. In reality, they represent a long-standing tradition of maritime statecraft. India embraced this tradition in 1953, when President Rajendra Prasad reviewed 33 ships off Bombay in the country’s first Presidential Fleet Review. Over the years, each subsequent review mirrored the Navy’s evolution, from post-conflict modernization to the introduction of indigenous warships.
By 1966, the Indian Navy had modernized its fleet. In 1976, the Navy’s victory in the 1971 war brought newfound confidence. The 1989 review showcased two aircraft carriers and a nuclear-powered submarine, marking India’s entry into an exclusive maritime club. The 2001 International Fleet Review in Mumbai, with participation from 20 foreign navies, marked India’s global maritime diplomacy. By 2016, IFR had grown into a significant event, drawing nearly 50 foreign navies to Visakhapatnam.
Exercise MILAN: Diplomacy in Action
While the IFR is a strategic display of maritime presence, Exercise MILAN represents diplomacy in action. MILAN began in 1995 when four navies gathered in Port Blair to enhance trust and cooperation. Over the years, MILAN has evolved into more complex exercises, with approximately 40 navies from the Indo-Pacific region participating in 2024. MILAN focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and tactical exercises, promoting cooperation and interoperability among nations without provoking tension.
Large naval gatherings like the IFR often attract skepticism due to their cost and resource demands. However, history shows that such events have strategic value. Britain’s Spithead Review in 2005 reinforced alliance cohesion, while the United States staged a major naval review in New York in 2000. China’s 2019 review showcased its modernization efforts. India’s experiences with IFR in 2001 and 2016 reflect this logic, fostering credibility and diplomatic engagement.
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Maritime Statecraft: India’s Approach
Both IFR and MILAN are key instruments of maritime statecraft. The Indian Navy blends hard power, such as ships and aircraft, with soft power, including professionalism and credibility. These events bolster India’s maritime vision: Security and Growth for All in the Region, Act East Policy, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. They not only showcase India’s naval strength but also reinforce its commitment to regional cooperation and long-term security.
India’s naval diplomacy has matured from instinct to institution. The focus has shifted from safeguarding the seas to shaping global cooperation across them. Hosting the IFR and participating in MILAN represents India’s leadership in maritime security. As the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly competitive, India’s ability to convene, reassure, and collaborate remains invaluable. These events serve as markers of India’s rising maritime influence and steady strategic direction.
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The Road Ahead: International Fleet Review 2026
As India prepares for the 2026 International Fleet Review and future editions of MILAN, the strategic context is sharper than ever. The Indo-Pacific is competitive and contested, requiring strong maritime diplomacy. India’s naval power, coupled with its diplomatic outreach, is poised to shape the region’s future. The ability to balance ceremony with substance will continue to steer India’s maritime strategy.
India’s naval diplomacy blends tradition with modernity, using events like the IFR and MILAN to shape a cooperative future. The country’s growing maritime presence reinforces its vision of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Oceans connect nations, and India is strategically positioned to navigate these waters with confidence, setting the course for regional stability and growth.
