The Indian Navy is set to host the 2018-edition of its multinational exercise Milan 2018.
The exercise is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The first Milan exercise was held in 1995 and has grown over the years. The first edition saw participation of four littoral navies.
From an event of sub- regional context, Milan has now grown into an international event and encompasses participation by maritime forces from not just the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia but the larger Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Milan 2018 is being held at Port Blair from March 6 to March 13, 2018. With the underlying theme of ‘Friendship Across the Seas’, Milan 2018 will witness a mix of professional exercises and seminars, social events and sporting fixtures.
The interactions during Milan encompass sharing of views and ideas on maritime good – order and enhancing regional cooperation for combating unlawful activities at sea.
An International City Parade will be held along the Marina Park Road, with marching contingents from all participating foreign naval ships as well as the Indian Armed Forces. The parade will include a flypast and aerobatic display by military aircraft and demonstrations of various military operations. Besides, visiting foreign ships will also be open for visits by school children and local public. Milan 2018 will culminate with passage exercise at sea by all participating naval ships.