New Delhi, 26 February (H.S.): The multinational maritime exercise MILAN wrapped up with a spectacular closing ceremony aboard India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Visakhapatnam's eastern coast, showcasing the Indian Navy's prowess alongside over 70 friendly navies.

Presided over by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, the event drew commanding officers from all participating units. Under the theme Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration, MILAN featured 42 ships and submarines, 29 aircraft—including 18 from partner nations—plus maritime patrol planes from France, Germany, and the US, and integral helicopters.

The harbor phase fostered bilateral talks, expert exchanges, and an international seminar, complemented by cultural events, cross-deck visits, sports, and youth officer interactions for best-practice sharing.The sea phase ramped up with high-intensity operations: integrated air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface strike coordination, communication drills, and cross-deck flying.Live firings included surface gun shoots and anti-air engagements, emphasizing real-time coordination, joint planning, and logistics.

Participating commanding officers praised the Indian Navy's professionalism and planning, affirming MILAN's success in boosting interoperability, understanding, and collective maritime readiness. Foreign navies joined tactical maneuvers with Indian ships in the Bay of Bengal, reinforcing secure-seas commitments and enduring partnerships.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar