AhlulBayt News Agency: The Iranian destroyer Dena has arrived at Visakhapatnam Port in eastern India to join the international MILAN 2026 naval exercise, an event designed to enhance maritime diplomacy, broaden defense cooperation, and showcase the operational capabilities of Iran’s navy in international waters.
The MILAN drills, held biennially at one of India’s major ports, have drawn participation from more than 70 countries this year. The 2026 edition is scheduled to run from February 18 to 25 at Visakhapatnam and in the Bay of Bengal.
According to the Indian Navy, MILAN aims to deepen professional ties among naval forces, promote the exchange of experience, improve operational coordination, and strengthen collective maritime security.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, attended the opening ceremony of MILAN 2026 and participated in the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) Chiefs’ Meeting during his visit to India.
IONS, established in 2008 at India’s initiative, is a regional platform bringing together 25 littoral states of the Indian Ocean to enhance maritime cooperation. India will chair the forum for the next two years.
Rear Admiral Irani also held meetings with several naval commanders on the sidelines of the exercise to discuss areas of mutual interest.
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