Visakhapatnam Hosts Fleet Review 2026, Showcasing India’s Naval Power

Visakhapatnam has once again emerged as a global maritime hub with the grand commencement of the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 along the Bay of Bengal coast on February 19. The prestigious naval event, hosted by the Indian Navy , brings together maritime forces from across the world, highlighting India’s growing strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific.

President Droupadi Murmu , Supreme commander of the armed forces, inaugurated the ceremony and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, reflecting naval discipline and national pride. The highlight of the event was the fleet review at sea, where the President sailed aboard INS Sumedha to inspect formations of warships, submarines, and aviation assets. Around 71 warships and more than 50 aircraft are participating, including 45 indigenous vessels, while the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant drew particular attention as a symbol of India’s self-reliance and expanding blue-water capability.

IFR 2026 is being held alongside Exercise MILAN , the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium , and related conclaves, making it one of the largest maritime gatherings in the region. Delegations and naval assets from dozens of countries, including major maritime powers and first-time participants such as Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE, are taking part, strengthening interoperability and cooperation. The ten-day event from February 15 to 25 features fly-pasts, search-and-rescue drills, marine commando manoeuvres, sailing vessel parades, and multinational band performances, along with an International City Parade for public engagement.

The theme “United Through Oceans” reflects India’s vision of shared maritime security and cooperation, rooted in the civilizational ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam . The President also highlighted the MAHASAGAR Vision , emphasizing collective security, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable maritime growth. Hosting the review for the second time since 2016 reinforces Visakhapatnam’s strategic importance, while the event boosts tourism, infrastructure development, and the city’s global profile. As warships from across the world assemble off the Vizag coast, IFR 2026 stands as a powerful symbol of unity, maritime peace, and cooperative ocean governance.