India is set to flex its naval muscles and send a message to China through the upcoming Milan multilateral naval exercises scheduled from February 19-27, 2024. The 12th edition of the Milan maneuvers in the Bay of Bengal will see the largest ever gathering of 50 navies, focused on emphasizing the importance of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of the Exercise
- 50 navies including all Quad countries and several Southeast Asian nations
- 20 naval warships including India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant
- Submarines, maritime patrol aircraft like P-8I to demonstrate naval prowess
- Large force maneuvers, advanced air defense ops, anti-sub and anti-surface ops
A Strategic Gathering in the Bay of Bengal
In an unprecedented display of naval power and international cooperation, India is set to host the Milan exercise at the end of February 2024. This grand event will see the gathering of 50 navies in the strategically crucial Bay of Bengal, sending a clear message of commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region amidst the backdrop of China’s increasing belligerence.
The Stars of the Show: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant
India’s twin aircraft carriers, the INS Vikramaditya and the INS Vikrant, are poised to lead the exercise, showcasing India’s naval capabilities. These carriers, along with foreign submarines, will be the highlights of Milan, demonstrating advanced naval warfare techniques and strategies.
Quad and Beyond: A Global Participation
The exercise will witness participation from the Quad countries – the United States, Japan, and Australia – and navies from Southeast Asia and beyond, including France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In order to balance China’s aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific, the goal is to encourage friendly navies to work together and reaffirm the commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order.
A Comprehensive Exercise: From Harbour to High Seas
Milan 2024 will feature a “Harbour phase” with an array of activities including an International Maritime Seminar, a City Parade, a Maritime Tech Exhibition, and various sporting events. The “sea phase” will involve large-force maneuvers, advanced air defense operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface operations, marking it as the largest and most complex edition of Milan to date.
Diplomatic Outreach and Security Concerns
Beyond a show of military strength, Milan serves as a platform for diplomatic outreach among key global players, addressing security concerns in the Red Sea and countering piracy in the Arabian Sea. India’s efforts in escorting commercial ships through piracy-prone areas and its role in maintaining maritime security highlight its commitment to regional and global stability.
Previous Editions and the Evolution of Milan
Reflecting on the previous editions of Milan, the article notes the growth of the exercise in terms of participation and complexity. The 11th edition, held in 2022 amid tensions between the West and Russia, saw 39 countries participating, underscoring the exercise’s importance as a forum for demonstrating naval prowess and fostering international cooperation.
