Mid Planning Conference for Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN)-24

The Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024) organized by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam from 19 to 27 February 2024 was conducted by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on 17 Oct 23 through video conference.

• Friendly foreign navies participated in it. During the MPC, representatives of the invited countries were briefed about the events planned during the port phase and sea phase.

Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN):

• The flagship event, MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise, initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995.
• Originally the MILAN exercise was conceived in line with India's 'Look East Policy' and then the emphasis is being laid on the 'Act East Policy' of the Government of India.
• It expanded in the coming years with the participation of other friendly foreign countries (FFCs) in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Security and Growth for All in the East Asian Region (SAGAR) initiative.

Milan 22 organized: 

• MILAN 22 was held in and outside Visakhapatnam from 25 February to 4 March 2022 and was participated by 39 countries.

Milan 24 organized: 

• Scheduled in Visakhapatnam from 19 to 27 February 2024, MILAN 24 is likely to have the largest participation ever, with over 50 countries invited.
• The port phase of MILAN 24 will include International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavalamban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange and Young Officers Meet.
• Indian Naval units along with allied ships, maritime patrol aircraft and submarines will participate in the sea phase.
• These will include large-scale maneuvers, advanced air defense operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare operations.
• The race to meet is in line with India's G20 Presidency and the conduct of the exercise will once again embody the 'G20 theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.