Context: Exercise MILAN 2024 recently concluded with the closing ceremony held aboard the INS Vikrant, marking the end of the Sea Phase off Visakhapatnam.

MILAN 2024: 12th Edition of Multilateral Naval Exercise

• Introduction: MILAN 2024 marks the 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise held in Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command’s supervision.

• Objective: The primary goal of MILAN is to enhance professional interaction among friendly navies and to gain experience in multilateral large-force operations at sea.

• Historical Background: MILAN had its inception in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995, with the participation of navies from Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

• Participating Nations: The 2024 edition saw the involvement of various nations, fostering collaboration and synergy among friendly navies.

MILAN Exercise 2024

• Theme: ‘Camaraderie, Cohesion, Collaboration’ 

• It will be conducted in two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.

• The Indian Navy showcased its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to the delegates of 50 countries.

• The DSRV can help in locating the disabled submarine, rescue the trapped personnel or provide them emergency supplies.

Two-Phase Structure

Harbour Phase

• Features activities such as the International Maritime Seminar, city parades, tech exhibitions, expert exchanges, youth officer gatherings, and sports events.

• The International Maritime Seminar was themed ‘Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth.’

Sea Phase

• Involves the active participation of ships and aircraft from friendly nations, including units from the Indian Navy, such as carriers and other naval assets.

Significance of Exercise

• Maritime Cooperation: The MILAN exercise is an exemplary demonstration of India’s commitment towards promoting maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region.

• Defence Diplomacy: The Indian Navy is offering its submarine rescue capabilities to friendly countries that will further India’s defence diplomacy.

• In Sync with  Look East Policy:  It is in consonance with India’s  Look East Policy, ‘Act East policy’ and Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.