INS Tarangini Anchors IFR and MILAN 2026

Sail training ship INS Tarangini is among the prominent vessels arriving in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the multinational naval exercise MILAN, commencing February 18. Around 75 naval vessels are expected to participate in the twin maritime events, including 20 foreign warships, underlining India’s expanding naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific.

INS Tarangini’s Distinguished Record

Commissioned in 1997, INS Tarangini serves as the Indian Navy’s sail training ship. In 2003–2004, she became the first Indian naval vessel to circumnavigate the globe. The ship also represented India at the International Fleet Review during the Sri Lankan Navy’s diamond jubilee celebrations in December 2010.

On that occasion, Tarangini was the only tall ship present and the first to be reviewed by the Sri Lankan President. Her decks and yards were ceremonially manned by Indian naval cadets alongside midshipmen of the Sri Lanka Navy, symbolising maritime camaraderie.

INS Vikrant to Headline IFR 2026

India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is expected to be a highlight of IFR 2026. Currently under deployment, the carrier is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam ahead of the review. As India’s first domestically constructed aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant represents a major milestone in the country’s naval self-reliance and blue-water capability.

The International Fleet Review provides a platform for showcasing naval strength, operational readiness and defence manufacturing achievements.

Foreign Naval Participation

Several foreign vessels have docked in Visakhapatnam naval harbour for IFR and MILAN. The Philippine Navy’s frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, the Maldives National Defence Force patrol vessel CGS Huravee, and the Seychelles Coast Guard ship SCGS Zoroaster (P609) are among the participating ships.

From Southeast Asia, VNPS 17, a frigate of the Vietnam People’s Navy, has also arrived. Their presence reflects growing maritime cooperation between India and partner nations across the Indian Ocean Region and the broader Indo-Pacific.

Important Facts for Exams

• MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
• International Fleet Review is a ceremonial assembly of naval ships reviewed by the head of state.
• INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
• Visakhapatnam hosts the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy

The simultaneous conduct of IFR 2026 and MILAN underscores India’s emphasis on cooperative security, interoperability and maritime partnership. With participation from 20 foreign navies, the events reinforce India’s strategic role in promoting stability and collaborative engagement across the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.