Context:
Exercise MILAN 2024 recently concluded with the closing ceremony held aboard the INS Vikrant, marking the end of the Sea Phase off Visakhapatnam.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
MILAN 2024: 12th Edition of Multilateral Naval Exercise
Introduction:
- MILAN 2024 marks the 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise held in Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command’s supervision.
Objective:
- The primary goal of MILAN is to enhance professional interaction among friendly navies and to gain experience in multilateral large-force operations at sea.
Historical Background:
- MILAN had its inception in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995, with the participation of navies from Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Participating Nations:
- The 2024 edition saw the involvement of various nations, fostering collaboration and synergy among friendly navies.
Two-Phase Structure:
- Harbour Phase:
- Features activities such as the International Maritime Seminar, city parades, tech exhibitions, expert exchanges, youth officer gatherings, and sports events.
- The International Maritime Seminar was themed ‘Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth.’
- Sea Phase:
- Involves the active participation of ships and aircraft from friendly nations, including units from the Indian Navy, such as carriers and other naval assets.
