On February 17, 2026, the Indian Navy made headlines with the simultaneous deployment of its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and its latest stealth frigate, signaling a significant transformation in India’s naval capabilities from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy.” This shift is emblematic of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, aimed at achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Indian Navy will host a major international event, Maritime Convergence 2026, which is set to take place from February 15 to 25 in Visakhapatnam. This historic assembly will be the first time India simultaneously hosts the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave. More than 70 navies are expected to participate, showcasing India’s growing maritime stature on a global stage.
The IFR, scheduled for February 18, will see INS Vikrant at the forefront, leading over 50 Indian naval vessels. This event is not just a display of military hardware; it underscores India’s strategic autonomy and its evolving role as a “Global Security Partner” in the Indo-Pacific region. The event will also feature various advanced indigenous platforms, such as the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, further highlighting India’s capabilities in naval warfare.
The participation of these homeland-built vessels in multinational maneuvers during Exercise MILAN emphasizes the learnings from the ‘Move, Float, and Fight’ indigenization initiative. This endeavor aims to bolster India’s capacity to project air power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) effectively. The involvement of Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in the shipbuilding supply chain is also integral to this venture, signifying a shift towards domestic innovation.
The convergence aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, focusing on mutual advancement and security across the region, while emphasizing the importance of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” By deploying its indigenous assets alongside the world’s leading navies, India aims to foster camaraderie, cooperation, and collaboration among international forces.
Overall, Maritime Convergence 2026 stands as a significant testament to India’s strategic maritime ambitions and self-reliance in defense. It reflects the nation’s broader goals of enhancing its operational capabilities while solidifying its position as a pivotal player in global maritime security and cooperation.
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