New Delhi, 19 February (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on the international community to collaborate in tackling interconnected maritime challenges during the formal inauguration of the multinational naval exercise 'MILAN' at Visakhapatnam's eastern seaboard on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with 74 nations' navies participating to bolster maritime engagement, collective security, and a rules-based order.

Singh advocated reinforcing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) through a comprehensive global naval architecture, emphasizing India's commitment to a rules-based maritime regime upholding freedom of navigation and international norms. As a trusted global partner, India pledges constructive, reliable contributions to regional stability.

Highlighting navies' expanding role in international peace amid rapid economic growth fueling trade surges, Singh warned of persistent threats like piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking, cyber vulnerabilities, and supply chain disruptions—exacerbated by climate-induced natural disasters complicating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. No navy, however capable, can confront these alone; enhanced naval cooperation is essential for a secure future.

Singh held discussions with nine ASEAN member nations' naval chiefs and delegations, underscoring India's 'Act East Policy' and vision for comprehensive security-development progress. From its 1995 inception with four foreign navies, MILAN has scaled to its largest edition, with Chiefs' Conclave and International Fleet Review fostering Indo-Pacific trust and operational synergy. The ongoing harbour phase spotlights anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue drills.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi likened MILAN to a maritime Mahakumbh, convening global professionals to address intertwined challenges through partnership. Navies will engage complex drills, professional exchanges, and dialogues enhancing mutual understanding, trust, interoperability, and shared expertise.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar