Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. The name "Milan" is Hindi for "Meeting," "Unification," or "Confluence," reflecting its purpose of bringing navies together. It was first held in 1995 at Port Blair under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The exercise was created to foster professional interaction and maritime cooperation, initially aligning with India's 'Look East Policy'. The inaugural edition in 1995 included the navies of India, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The exercise works through a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase, with the overarching theme being 'Camaraderie–Cohesion–Collaboration'. The Sea Phase involves complex and advanced exercises in all three dimensions of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, surface target firings, and coordinated drills to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. The exercise connects to India's broader maritime security vision, including the 'Act East Policy' and the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)' initiative.
Milan has significantly changed recently to accommodate its growing scale. Traditionally held at Port Blair, the venue was shifted to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the Eastern Naval Command, starting with the 2022 edition. This shift was made because Visakhapatnam offered more infrastructure and sea space for the increasing number of participants. The 2026 edition, for example, saw participation from over 70 nations, making it one of the largest multilateral naval engagements in the Indo-Pacific.