Visakhapatnam, on India's eastern coast, is preparing to host one of the largest maritime gatherings in the nation's history: the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, scheduled from 15 to 25 February.&nbsp;The event, coinciding with Exercise MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, will bring together warships, delegations, and naval leaders from dozens of countries. It underscores India's evolving role as a key player in Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation.&nbsp;India's fleet review tradition dates back to humble beginnings. The first Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) occurred in 1953, when President Rajendra Prasad inspected 33 ships in Bombay (now Mumbai) harbour, a symbolic moment as Indian sailors saluted an Indian head of state under the tricolour for the first time post-Independence.&nbsp;Subsequent reviews marked the Navy's growth. In 1956, a special review honoured the Shah of Iran during his state visit, an early example of maritime diplomacy. The 1960s showcased INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier, while later decades highlighted indigenous builds like the Leander-class (Nilgiri) and Godavari-class frigates, each vessel a testament to growing self-reliance.&nbsp;The shift to international participation came in 2001, when India hosted its inaugural IFR in Mumbai under the theme "Bridges of Friendship". Despite the recent Gujarat earthquake, President K.R. Narayanan reviewed 97 ships, 73 Indian and 24 foreign, from 20 nations. It projected India as an emerging partner on the global stage.&nbsp;Fifteen years later, in 2016, the focus moved east to Visakhapatnam. Nearly 100 ships from 50 countries assembled in the Bay of Bengal, the largest such gathering in Indian waters. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reviewed the fleet from INS Sumitra.&nbsp;Beyond spectacle, these reviews serve as floating summits of diplomacy. Ships sailing in unison symbolise shared commitment to secure seas, humanitarian aid, and freedom of navigation, distinct from more ostentatious displays elsewhere.&nbsp;They also connect the Navy to citizens. In 2016, Visakhapatnam transformed into a festival: parades, cultural events, and illuminated ships drew families to the waterfront, fostering affection for the sea and those who guard it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-military-will-teach-an-unforgettable-lesson-to-trump-if-us-attacks-iran-parliament-speaker-1768228535454">Iranian military will teach 'an unforgettable lesson' to Trump if US attacks Iran: Parliament speaker</a>&nbsp;The 2026 edition promises even greater scale, featuring indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes. President Droupadi Murmu will conduct the review on 18 February off RK Beach, followed by an International City Parade.&nbsp;Linked to Prime Minister Modi's MAHASAGAR vision, an extension of SAGAR, and policies like Act East and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the convergence highlights India's inclusive approach. Exercise MILAN, which began modestly in 1995 with four navies in Port Blair and now draws nearly 50, will operationalise ties through joint drills.

India's fleet review tradition dates back to humble beginnings. The first Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) occurred in 1953, when President Rajendra Prasad inspected 33 ships in Bombay (now Mumbai) harbour.

Visakhapatnam, on India's eastern coast, is preparing to host one of the largest maritime gatherings in the nation's history: the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, scheduled from 15 to 25 February. The event, coinciding with Exercise MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, will bring together warships, delegations, and naval leaders from dozens of countries. It underscores India's evolving role as a key player in Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation. India's fleet review tradition dates back to humble beginnings. The first Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) occurred in 1953, when President Rajendra Prasad inspected 33 ships in Bombay (now Mumbai) harbour, a symbolic moment as Indian sailors saluted an Indian head of state under the tricolour for the first time post-Independence. Subsequent reviews marked the Navy's growth. In 1956, a special review honoured the Shah of Iran during his state visit, an early example of maritime diplomacy. The 1960s showcased INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier, while later decades highlighted indigenous builds like the Leander-class (Nilgiri) and Godavari-class frigates, each vessel a testament to growing self-reliance. The shift to international participation came in 2001, when India hosted its inaugural IFR in Mumbai under the theme "Bridges of Friendship". Despite the recent Gujarat earthquake, President K.R. Narayanan reviewed 97 ships, 73 Indian and 24 foreign, from 20 nations. It projected India as an emerging partner on the global stage. Fifteen years later, in 2016, the focus moved east to Visakhapatnam. Nearly 100 ships from 50 countries assembled in the Bay of Bengal, the largest such gathering in Indian waters. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reviewed the fleet from INS Sumitra. Beyond spectacle, these reviews serve as floating summits of diplomacy. Ships sailing in unison symbolise shared commitment to secure seas, humanitarian aid, and freedom of navigation, distinct from more ostentatious displays elsewhere. They also connect the Navy to citizens. In 2016, Visakhapatnam transformed into a festival: parades, cultural events, and illuminated ships drew families to the waterfront, fostering affection for the sea and those who guard it. Also Read: Iranian military will teach 'an unforgettable lesson' to Trump if US attacks Iran: Parliament speaker The 2026 edition promises even greater scale, featuring indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes. President Droupadi Murmu will conduct the review on 18 February off RK Beach, followed by an International City Parade. Linked to Prime Minister Modi's MAHASAGAR vision, an extension of SAGAR, and policies like Act East and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the convergence highlights India's inclusive approach. Exercise MILAN, which began modestly in 1995 with four navies in Port Blair and now draws nearly 50, will operationalise ties through joint drills.

India's fleet review tradition dates back to humble beginnings. The first Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) occurred in 1953, when President Rajendra Prasad inspected 33 ships in Bombay (now Mumbai) harbour.

India's International Fleet Review: A tradition of maritime diplomacy set for historic 2026 edition

Japan hosted its first international fleet review in seven years on Sunday (November 6). Ships from 12 other countries took part. The fleet review has been held amid rising tensions in East Asia with North Korea firing a flurry of missiles, including Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). China-Taiwan relations are strained as well.

The naval parade took place in Sagami Bay near Tokyo. It included 38 vessels out of which 18 were from friendly nations such as the United States South Korea, Britain, Australia, Singapore, India and Thailand.

Thirty-three aircraft flew overhead, including submarine-hunting patrol planes and helicopters.

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8293d179-b75d-4f9f-af31-b32205b2db8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-11-06T105306Z_1_LYNXMPEIA503R_RTROPTP_4_JAPAN-DEFENCE_0.JPG" />

"We must ready for those who violate rules and who would use force to trample on the peace and security of other nations," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech on the Japanese helicopter carrier Izumo. "We will formulate a new national security strategy by year end and drastically strengthen our defence capabilities."

<img alt="Japan PM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a15991b1-5093-4599-9a55-5feea7421e6b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-11-06T105306Z_1_LYNXMPEIA503P_RTROPTP_4_JAPAN-DEFENCE.JPG" />

Japanese PM hosted dignitaries on the Izumo before flying to USS Ronald Reagan, the US Navy aircraft to meet Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.

"What upsets China most is we have allies, they are expansive and extensive," Emanuel said after accompanying Kishida on a tour of the Ronald Reagan.

Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party has pledged to double Japan's defence budget to around 2% of gross domestic product within five years.

South Korea has also sent its naval assets for the fleet review. The relations between two US allies have been on the mend post a spat over compensation for wartime labourers and Korean women forced to work in Japanese military brothels.

In 2018, Japan had refused to join South Korea's fleet review after the latter asked Japan to not fly its rising sun ensign. South Korea views it as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression.

Both countries have drawn closer as North Korea ratchets up its missile launches, including a suspected long-range missile on Thursday that triggered an alert in central and northern Japan for residents to seek shelter.

China declined a invitation to join Japan's fleet review. Russia was not invited in light of Ukraine war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan hosted its first international fleet review in seven years on Sunday (November 6). Ships from 12 other countries took part. The fleet review has been held amid rising tensions in East Asia with North Korea firing a flurry of missiles, including Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

Japan hosted its first international fleet review in seven years on Sunday (November 6). Ships from 12 other countries took part. The fleet review has been held amid rising tensions in East Asia with North Korea firing a flurry of missiles, including Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). China-Taiwan relations are strained as well. The naval parade took place in Sagami Bay near Tokyo. It included 38 vessels out of which 18 were from friendly nations such as the United States South Korea, Britain, Australia, Singapore, India and Thailand. Thirty-three aircraft flew overhead, including submarine-hunting patrol planes and helicopters. "We must ready for those who violate rules and who would use force to trample on the peace and security of other nations," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech on the Japanese helicopter carrier Izumo. "We will formulate a new national security strategy by year end and drastically strengthen our defence capabilities." Japanese PM hosted dignitaries on the Izumo before flying to USS Ronald Reagan, the US Navy aircraft to meet Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. "What upsets China most is we have allies, they are expansive and extensive," Emanuel said after accompanying Kishida on a tour of the Ronald Reagan. Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party has pledged to double Japan's defence budget to around 2% of gross domestic product within five years. South Korea has also sent its naval assets for the fleet review. The relations between two US allies have been on the mend post a spat over compensation for wartime labourers and Korean women forced to work in Japanese military brothels. In 2018, Japan had refused to join South Korea's fleet review after the latter asked Japan to not fly its rising sun ensign. South Korea views it as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression. Both countries have drawn closer as North Korea ratchets up its missile launches, including a suspected long-range missile on Thursday that triggered an alert in central and northern Japan for residents to seek shelter. China declined a invitation to join Japan's fleet review. Russia was not invited in light of Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan holds international fleet review amid rising East Asia tension

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India's International Fleet Review: A tradition of maritime diplomacy set for historic 2026 edition

Japan holds international fleet review amid rising East Asia tension