<span style="color: #222222;">In a move to strengthen ties with neighbouring nations, the Indian Navy is gearing up to hold 11th edition of MILAN, a biennial multinational naval exercise, from the 19th – 27th of February at Visakhapatnam. The event is likely to witness largest-ever participation with invites being extended to over 50 friendly foreign navies. MILAN a Maritime domain is &nbsp;bridging the continents since ages. MILAN exercise has emerged as the Indian Navy’s flagship event towards fostering camaraderie, cohesion and collaboration amongst friendly foreign Navies. The exercise resonates with India’s international diplomatic efforts namely ‘Act East policy’ and ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.<br />”<br />”The Navies across the world have been the shining ambassadors of respective nation’s international diplomatic efforts. The strategic location of Indian subcontinent has made it a focal point for trade and international relations through which there has been a constant exchange of cultures, resources, assets and ideas.</span>&nbsp;<br />”<br />”Indian Navy has &nbsp;emerged as India’s tether to maintain international relations with other nations, militarily and diplomatically. Amongst the various activities being undertaken by the Indian Navy in this regard.<br />”<br />”MILAN exercise is incepted in 1995 as a biennial multinational event which flourished under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar command till its 10th edition and later shifted to Visakhapatnam with 11th edition.<br />”<br />”MILAN 24 is likely to witness its largest-ever participation with invites being extended to over 50 friendly foreign navies.<br />”<br />”MILAN 24 exercise would comprise of two phases – ‘Harbour phase’ and ‘Sea phase’. The harbour phase, aims to promote cultural sharing amongst the participating nations, would comprise of International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavalmban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Milan of Young Officers and various sporting events. In the Sea phase, Ships along with Maritime Patrol aircraft and submarines of friendly foreign countries will participate along with Indian Navy units. It will involve large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface operations, aims &nbsp;at honing the skills.<br />”<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">MILAN exercise, from its humble beginnings of 1995 metamorphised itself to a stature befitting global commons and aligns with India’s concomitant G20 Presidency theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. India-led exercise greatly complements the existing bilateral and multilateral maritime framework aimed at preserving the regional peace whilst fostering bonds of maritime brotherhood across the oceans.</span><br />