The Milan 2024 naval exercise, hailed as the Indian Navy’s largest-ever multilateral event, commenced in Vizag city on Monday, with the participation of several warships from both the Indian Navy and foreign navies in the Harbour Phase.

The Harbour Phase, held from February 19 to this 23rd feb , included activities such as an international city parade along RK Beach, a maritime seminar, a tech expo, the Milan village, expert exchanges, youth officer engagements, and various sporting events.

Following this phase, from February 24 to 27, participating navies conducted advanced air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare drills during the Sea Phase.

This phase also involves gunnery shoots targeting aerial and surface units, maneuvers, and underway replenishment exercises.

For the first time, Vizagites will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, anchored off the coast of Vizag.

Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Milan Village on February 21, while Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar  to attend the International City Parade program on February 22.

The event features around 20 Indian warships from different classes, including the INS Chennai, a Kolkata-class stealth guides missile destroyer.

The rehearsals for Milan enthralled the residents of Vizag. Meanwhile, the city police imposes traffic restrictions and diversions from February 20 to 22 to ensure smooth proceedings, deploying approximately 3,500 personnel for security and traffic management.