Navy gets ready for its biggest naval exercise amid ocean engagements

• Exercise Milan scheduled for February 2024.
• Over 50 countries expected to participate, showcasing the Navy's expanded engagements.
• Indian Navy positioned as the first responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Naval Engagements and Multilateral Exercises

• Presence and operational reach enhanced through Mission Based Deployments and other engagements.
• Conducts 17 multilateral and 20 bilateral exercises annually.
• Exercises crucial for honing operational capabilities, fostering interoperability, and enhancing maritime security.

Exercise Milan Background

• Biennial multilateral naval exercise initiated in 1995.
• Grown to become India's largest exercise, with the last edition featuring over 40 participating countries.
• Reflects India's commitment to strong defense ties and a secure maritime environment.

Indian Navy's Role in Combined Maritime Force (CMF)

• Joined the U.S.-led CMF based in Bahrain since July 2022.
• Participates in CMF-led operations regularly.
• India announces its decision to become a full member of the grouping.

Navy Day Celebrations

• Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate the 1971 India-Pakistan War's daring attack on Karachi harbor under 'Operation Trident.'
• Celebrations at Sindhudurg Fort, with 20 warships, 40 aircraft, and operational demonstrations.
• First mega event organized away from a major naval station.

Maritime Outreach and Capacity Building

• Expanded assistance in capacity building to regional countries.
• Offers platforms, regular training, and deploys Mobile Training Teams (MTT) for capacity development.
• MTT conducts operational sea checks and training for friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Indian Navy has trained over 15,000 personnel from 40 countries in the IOR.

Prelims Take Away

• Cobined MAritime Force
• IOR
• Exercise Milan