Marking a significant moment in global naval diplomacy, the Russian Navy has officially joined the 13th edition of the "MILAN 2026" multilateral maritime exercise. A high-level Russian delegation, led by Admiral Alexander Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, arrived in the "City of Destiny" to participate in the massive 11-day event.
According to reports from Youm7 and the Indian Ministry of Defence on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Russian Pacific Fleet's modernized frigate, RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov, took a central position in the Bay of Bengal for the Presidential Fleet Review. The vessel, which arrived via the Port of Muscat, Oman, joins a fleet of over 70 warships from approximately 72 nations, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and various ASEAN partners.
Complex Operations and Interoperability
The exercise, running from February 15 to 25, is split into a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase. The Russian contingent is set to engage in high-intensity maneuvers designed to enhance collective maritime security. Key focuses of the drills include:
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Coordinated detection and tracking exercises.
Maritime Domain Awareness: Improving shared intelligence in the Indo-Pacific.
Search and Rescue (SAR): Humanitarian disaster relief simulation and response.
Surface Drills: Advanced tactical formations and joint communication protocols.
Diplomacy Amid Contested Waters
India’s hosting of both Russia and the United States simultaneously underscores New Delhi's unique strategic weight in a contested maritime environment. While global tensions remain high, the MILAN 2026 theme, "United Through Oceans," aims to reduce operational friction and foster professional bonds among the world's most powerful navies.
The event reached a ceremonial peak with an "International City Parade" along the RK Beach, featuring marching contingents and naval bands from across the globe, including the Russian Federation’s representatives.
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