Indian Navy To Host IFR, MILAN At Vizag In Feb 2026
IFR will not only boost India’s international standing, but also elevate Andhra Pradesh’s profile, in particular Visakhapatnam, thereby enhancing tourism - Vijayanand
VISAKHAPATNAM: Indian Navy will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam during the third week of February 2026. The prestigious maritime exercise aims to strengthen ties between navies of different nations, while showcasing their naval prowess on an international platform.
In this regard, Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) based in Visakhapatnam, held a crucial meeting with Andhra Pradesh chief secretary K. Vijayanand. Their discussions focused on the smooth conduct of the IFR and the concurrent MILAN-2026 naval exercise.
Visakhapatnam district collector Harendhira Prasad, officials from Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) attended the meeting virtually.
Chief secretary Vijayanand assured full support of the AP government, underlining the significance of the event for both the nation and the state. “IFR will not only boost India’s international standing, but also elevate Andhra Pradesh’s profile, in particular Visakhapatnam, thereby enhancing tourism,” he said.
Vijayanand highlighted the presence of the President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries during the event. He stressed the need for comprehensive beautification drives, road improvements, enhanced lighting, and other infrastructure upgrades across Visakhapatnam city.
The chief secretary said, “Visakhapatnam must be presented in the best possible light. We must expedite all ongoing civil works and ensure timely completion ahead of the event.”
Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena shared key details, stating that the IFR and MILAN-2026 will be held from February 14 to February 24, 2026. He revealed that invitations had been extended to 145 countries, with expectations that their naval chiefs or representatives will attend the twin events.
Those present at the meeting included principal secretary (General Administration Department) Mukesh Kumar Meena, principal secretary (Municipal Administration) S. Suresh Kumar, IFR Commodore Aby Mathew, Andhra Pradesh Naval Officer-in-Charge Commodore Rajnish Sharma, and Civil Military Liaison Officer Y.K. Krishna Rao.
