In a significant development for bilateral defense cooperation, India and Russia are set to conduct joint naval drills in February, as confirmed by recent reports. The exercises, codenamed 'Milan-2026,' underscore the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations amid evolving global security dynamics.
Details of the Joint Naval Exercises
According to a press service statement cited by the Russian news agency TASS, a frigate from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet will depart from the port of Muscat in Oman to participate in the Milan-2026 exercises. This deployment highlights the operational reach and coordination between the Indian and Russian naval forces.
Schedule and Port Visit
Following the joint drills, the Russian frigate is scheduled to make an unofficial visit to the Indian port of Visakhapatnam. The visit is planned to take place from February 18 to 25, 2026, as per the reports. This stopover is expected to facilitate further diplomatic and military engagements between the two countries.
The Milan series of exercises, initiated by the Indian Navy, has grown into a multilateral naval event, but this bilateral component with Russia emphasizes the depth of their defense ties. The participation of the Pacific Fleet vessel indicates a focus on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, which is of strategic importance to both nations.
Strategic Implications
These joint naval drills come at a time when India is actively enhancing its maritime capabilities and partnerships. The exercises are likely to include various operational scenarios, such as anti-submarine warfare, surface drills, and communication exercises, aimed at improving interoperability between the two navies.
Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, serves as a key hub for such visits, reflecting its strategic significance. The unofficial nature of the port visit suggests a focus on informal exchanges and confidence-building measures, which are crucial for long-term military cooperation.
Broader Context of India-Russia Relations
India and Russia have a longstanding history of defense collaboration, with joint exercises like Milan-2026 reinforcing their commitment to shared security interests. This event follows other bilateral military engagements and aligns with India's policy of maintaining diversified defense partnerships.
As reported by Reuters on January 28, 2026, at 11:32 IST, these developments highlight the ongoing diplomatic and military dialogue between New Delhi and Moscow. The exercises are expected to contribute to regional stability and demonstrate the capabilities of both navies in coordinated operations.
In summary, the upcoming joint naval drills between India and Russia mark a pivotal moment in their defense relations, with the Milan-2026 exercises and the subsequent visit to Visakhapatnam poised to strengthen maritime cooperation and strategic alignment in the coming years.
