Indian Navy to host mega military wargame in February, 50 navies set to participate

India will showcase its increasing maritime prowess at a nine-day mega naval exercise it will host in February that is set to see participation of over 50 countries against backdrop of increasingly fractious global geopolitical environment and China's increasing military muscle-flexing in Indo-Pacific.

Navies from US, Japan, Australia, France, Banglesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia are set to be among participating nations in 'Milan' exercise to be conducted off Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27 next year, officials said on Friday.

upcoming exercise will be biggest multilateral military wargame to be hosted by India ever and it will feature large-force manoeuvres, vanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface drills, y said.

It is learnt that all key participating nations will send ir platforms and personnel for wargame that will take place in Arabian Sea. drills would also feature in sub-surface and air domains.

Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise which was initiated by Indian Navy in 1995.

Originally conceived in consonance with India's 'Look East Policy', exercise expanded in ensuing years with New Delhi's 'Act East Policy' and Security And Growth for All in Region (SAGAR) initiative.

In 2022, 39 countries participated in Milan exercise.

" Milan 2024 is likely to witness largest-ever participation to date with invites being extended to over 50 countries," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Mhwal said.

He said it will be an action packed exercise featuring a wide-range of activities.

harbour phase of Milan will consist of maritime seminars, exhibition and city pare.

"Maritime patrol aircraft and submarines of friendly foreign countries would participate in sea phase along with Indian Navy units," Commander Mhwal said.

"y will involve large-force manoeuvres, vanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare operations," he said.

" run-up to Milan is concomitant to India's G20 Presidency and conduct of exercise would yet again realise 'G20 me Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ( world is one family)," Navy spokesperson said.

A mid-planning conference on Milan was hosted by Eastern Naval Command on October 17 with participating friendly foreign navies.

In virtual conference, representatives of invited countries were briefed on events planned during harbour phase and sea phase.