MILAN-2024, one of the biggest maritime exercises, is a significant initiative by the Indian Navy to bring together friendly foreign nations from all over the world. 51 nations will take part in the exercise in Visakhapatnam this year in 2024; 15 of these nations will send ships, and one aircraft will also be participating.

MILAN, which translates to "meeting" or "gathering," began as a small gathering organized by the Andaman and Nicobar authority in 1995. Currently, it has grown into a significant worldwide naval occasion that corresponds with India's rise to prominence in the world.

Highlights of the Harbour Phase from 19 to 23 Feb include International City Parade, International Maritime Seminar, Maritime Tech Expo, MILAN Village, Subject Matter Expert Exchange and Table Top Exercise. During the Sea Phase, participating navies will conduct advanced Air Defence, Anti Submarine and Anti Surface Warfare drills. Gunnery shoots on aerial and surface targets, manoeuvres and underway replenishment would also be conducted. 

MILAN 2024 will be hosted by Indian Navy, Government of India. The 12th edition of MILAN exercise, which will be held at Visakhapatnam from 19 to 27 Feb 24, will see participation by over 51 countries, which are sending their operational units and delegations.

MILAN would be an excellent platform for the participating navies to share ideas to enhance security on the high seas and ensure safety of maritime commerce for growth and prosperity of all. In addition to building bridges of friendship and strengthening of relationship, Sea exercise would enhance interoperability, enable exchange of best practices and will boost confidence to undertake missions together in the future, to tackle common challenges.