Visakhapatnam, Feb 18: In a grand display of maritime diplomacy and military prowess, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, reviewed an extensive assembly of warships today during the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026. As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, President Murmu embarked on the indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS Sumedha, which served as the designated Presidential Yacht. The review took place at the Anchorage Area off the coast of Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.
The review featured a massive congregation of naval assets, highlighting the theme “United Through Oceans, Strengthening Bridges of Friendship.” A total of 71 warships participated, including 19 foreign vessels from friendly nations such as Australia, Japan, the USA, and Russia. Leading the column on INS Sumedha, the President steamed past lines of anchored ships, receiving a ceremonial 21-gun salute and “Man and Cheer Ship” honors from sailors. The event was further punctuated by a spectacular flypast involving nearly 50 naval aircraft, including the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and various fighter jets, while Marine Commandos (MARCOS) performed high-octane rescue and combat demonstrations.
This edition of the IFR is being held concurrently with Exercise MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave. It marks one of the largest maritime gatherings in India’s history, aimed at fostering interoperability and addressing shared maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. A senior naval official noted that the presence of such a diverse array of global navies is a testament to India’s role as a preferred security partner and its commitment to a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.
The President was accompanied by S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh; N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; and Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The day concluded with the President’s address to the participating crews, where she commended the Indian Navy’s transformation into a “Builder’s Navy,” exemplified by the presence of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The festivities in Visakhapatnam will continue tomorrow with the International City Parade on RK Beach Road, featuring marching contingents from over 65 countries.
