Canada among 51 nations to join 9-day Navy drill ‘Milan’ beginning Feb 19
Even as India and Canada grapple with their deteriorating diplomatic relations, the Justin Trudeau government will send its naval delegation headed by a commander for the nine-day multinational maritime exercise ‘Milan 2024’ to be held off the Visakhapatnam coast from February 19.
Indian Navy’s Deputy Chief Vice-Admiral Tarun Sobti on Wednesday said Milan 2024 is a major endeavor to get together friendly foreign countries from across the globe for a major maritime activity. He said 51 countries will participate in the event.
While delegation-level participation is confirmed from more than 30 countries, 15 others are sending their warships for the exercise. The French Navy will come with an aircraft, Sobti said.
From the Indian side, nearly 20 ships, including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, and nearly 50 aircraft will participate in the exercise.
Eastern Naval Command Chief of Staff Officer (Operations) Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha said the exercise will be held in two phases involving harbor and sea. The harbor phase will be conducted from February 19-23 and the participants would exchange expertise on subject matters. They will also witness the deep submergence rescue vehicle demonstration and also hold bilateral meetings.
The sea phase will be held from February 24-27 in the Bay of Bengal with participation of 35 warships and submarines with 50 aircraft, Jha said.
The exercise holds significance in the backdrop of major geopolitical tensions along with drone attacks and hijack incidents in the Red Sea.
The exercise will witness a series of events, including an international maritime exposition, a maritime technical exhibition, a city parade, and interactions with junior officers, Sobti said.
This year’s Milan exercise is notable due to the participation of Canada, despite ongoing diplomatic challenges between India and Canada. The drill provides an opportunity for nations to come together and strengthen cooperation through joint maritime activities.
With 51 nations involved, Milan 2024 aims to foster friendship and collaboration among friendly foreign navies. The participation of more than 30 countries at the delegation level and 15 others sending their warships demonstrates the significance of the exercise.
India, being the host country, will showcase its naval capabilities by deploying around 20 ships and nearly 50 aircraft, including the prestigious aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya.
The exercise will be held in two phases, starting with the harbor phase from February 19 to 23. During this phase, participants will engage in knowledge exchange, observe demonstrations of deep submergence rescue vehicles, and hold bilateral meetings.
The sea phase, scheduled from February 24 to 27 in the Bay of Bengal, will see the participation of 35 warships, submarines, and 50 aircraft. This phase will focus on joint naval maneuvers and operational drills.
Amidst the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and security challenges, including drone attacks and hijack incidents in the Red Sea, Milan 2024 takes on added importance in enhancing regional naval cooperation and preparedness.
The exercise will encompass various events, such as an international maritime exposition, a maritime technical exhibition, a city parade, and interactions with junior officers. These engagements seek to facilitate knowledge sharing, technological advancements, and professional development among the participating nations.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic strains between India and Canada, the inclusion of Canada’s naval delegation highlights the commitment to maintaining military-to-military engagements and fostering cooperation even in challenging times.
As Milan 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for this multinational maritime exercise, where countries from around the world join forces to strengthen maritime security, promote goodwill, and enhance interoperability.
