Indian Navy's multinational exercise, MILAN 24, is all set to be held in Visakhapatnam from 19 to 27 February 24.
About MILAN
MILAN is a biennial multi-national naval exercise that started in 1995 with the participation of four foreign countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand) under India's 'Look East policy'.
- The MILAN Exercise flourished under the Andaman and Nicobar command's aegis til its 10th edition. Visakhapatnam has been selected as the preferred location for upcoming MILAN exercises.
- The 11th edition of this exercise was held in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command with the theme 'Camaraderie-Cohesion-Collaboration'.
Look East Policy
Prime Minister Narasimha Rao enunciated India's “Look East Policy” in 1992 with the aim of strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asia.
- Asia, Australia and The Pacific Islands are located to the East of the World.
- The policy initially focused on South East Asia. It began with India becoming a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN, the Association of South East Asia Nations. Later, the policy was expanded to include East Asia and Oceania.
- The journey ahead may be long, but let us approach it with optimism and determination. On December 31, 2015, the ASEAN officially announced the establishment of the ASEAN Community.
- India and ASEAN have created a Plan of Action for the next five years. The plan aims to achieve the goals of the ASEAN-Indian Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity. This partnership was established in 2004. The plan also aligns with the Vision Statement of the ASEAN-Indian Commemorative Summit of 2012. The plan covers the period from 2016 to 2020.
- Our goal should be to ensure that the Northeast region of India plays a significant role in this partnership, as geography has destined it to do so.
- It should benefit substantially from India’s strengthening partnership with its Southeast Asian neighbours.
|
Phases of MILAN 24
MILAN 24 exercise would comprise the 'Harbour phase' and the 'Sea phase'.
- Harbour phase: MILAN 24 will have a Harbour phase. The event will include an International Maritime Seminar. There will also be a City Parade at RK Beach. Another event is the Swavlamban Exhibition. Additionally, there will be a Subject Matter Expert Exchange. Finally, there will be a Milan of Young Officers.
- Sea phase: Ships, aircraft, and submarines from friendly foreign countries and the Indian Navy will participate in the sea exercises. The activities will include large-scale manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare.
- India's commitment to maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region is demonstrated by the MILAN. The MILAN serves as a platform for nations to form partnerships, share ideas and strengthen maritime security in order to increase their maritime power.