Vizag to Host Global Naval Events from Feb. 18
Visakhapatnam will host two major international naval events, the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN 2026, from February 18, bringing foreign warships, delegates, and top dignitaries to the city.
Chief of Staff of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral Susheel Menon (VSM), and senior officers met Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand at the Secretariat to review preparations. A district administration release said the IFR will begin on February 18, followed by MILAN the next day.
Naval officials said ships from 19 countries and about 4,000 delegates will take part in the Fleet Review. President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, and Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu are expected to attend. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will take part in MILAN. Dignitaries will also join the International City Parade.
Mr. Vijayanand assured full government support and directed departments to complete arrangements on time.
Ahead of the events, Police and Fisheries officials held a coastal security awareness programme for fisherfolk at Kotha Jalaripeta on Monday.
Officials met leaders of fisherfolk associations and boat owners. They explained security protocols and asked boats to avoid restricted zones during the events.
Officials urged fisherfolk to call the coastal police on 1093 if they notice unfamiliar boats or suspicious activity at sea. Inspector Varaprasad of One Town police station, Fisheries Joint Director D. Laxman Rao, and other officials attended.