The port city of Visakhapatnam buzzes with anticipation as President Droupadi Murmu touches down Tuesday for IFR 2026, a two-day naval pageant under her supreme command. This gathering of global sea powerhouses spotlights India’s naval evolution and alliances.
A glittering Presidential Banquet opens Tuesday’s proceedings, priming for Wednesday’s highlight: President Murmu’s review of 70 warships, submarines, and aircraft from India and friendly navies along the coastline. The event radiates themes of collaboration, strength, and maritime sovereignty.
Accompanying dignitaries include Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (Retd.) and CM N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Indian Navy describes IFR as a vivid portrayal of collective defense and oceanic oversight. Previous editions in Mumbai (2001) and Visakhapatnam (2016) paved the way for this ambitious renewal.
Central to the display is INS Vikrant, India’s flagship carrier born from domestic ingenuity, lauded for Operation Sindoor heroics. It spearheaded the carrier battle group’s deterrent force, outmaneuvering foes into submission and ceasefire pleas. Overseas navies anticipate detailed inspections.
Enriching the narrative are city-wide parades, artistic performances, and community events venerating maritime history. Overlapping is MILAN 26, the Eastern Naval Command-led exercise in Bay of Bengal with 135+ invitees, aimed at deepening ties, swapping insights, and executing unified maneuvers.
India’s first-time trifecta includes the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. Milestones recall President Narayanan’s 2001 INS Sujata review and 2016’s INS Sumitra oversight by President Mukherjee with PM Modi and Manohar Parrikar, featuring 50 nations’ 100 vessels in historic confluence.