President Murmu Reviews IFR 2026 off Visakhapatnam
President Droupadi Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reviewed the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 off the Visakhapatnam coast on Wednesday. The event highlighted India’s expanding maritime engagement, naval diplomacy, and operational preparedness.
The President arrived in the city on February 17. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, senior State officials, and naval commanders received her. Later, she attended a ceremonial banquet held for visiting naval delegations.
Aboard the Presidential Yacht, INS Sumedha, the President reviewed formations of Indian and foreign warships and submarines. The display included traditional honours, synchronised manoeuvres, and naval flypasts. Together, they presented a coordinated show of professionalism at sea.
Naval officials said more than 71 warships took part. Of these, 19 belonged to foreign navies. In addition, several submarines joined the review. The multinational presence underscored cooperation, interoperability, and a shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
“The Fleet Review reflects the Navy’s operational preparedness and India’s commitment to a rules-based maritime order,” a senior naval officer said. He added that the scale and diversity of participation demonstrated growing trust among partner navies.
The IFR formed part of a broader set of naval engagements in Visakhapatnam. These included Exercise MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. Defence authorities said the convergence of these events reinforced India’s role in regional naval dialogue and collaboration.
Alongside frontline combatants, the Navy showcased indigenously built platforms. The display highlighted advances in domestic shipbuilding and defence manufacturing. Officials described it as a statement of technological progress and self-reliance.
Senior commanders said the review celebrated naval tradition. At the same time, it reaffirmed India’s focus on safeguarding sea lanes, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to regional stability.
Among those present were Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other senior officials.