From Visakhapatnam To Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Navy Ship Returns After Strategic MILAN Exercise In India

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 5,500 Views

Vietnam’s Navy successfully completed its participation in the MILAN 2026 multilateral naval exercise hosted by India, marking another milestone in regional maritime cooperation. The mission enhanced interoperability with global navies, strengthened defense diplomacy, and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.

Vietnam’s naval delegation and Ship 17 recently returned home after participating in the Milan 2026 multilateral naval exercise in India. The mission highlighted growing maritime collaboration between regional navies and showcased Vietnam’s active role in international defense cooperation and naval diplomacy.

Regional Naval Cooperation Strengthened

Ship 17 of Brigade 171 under Naval Region 2 of the Vietnam People’s Navy safely docked at its base in Rach Dua Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, after successfully completing the multinational exercise. The vessel had departed on January 28 with a delegation led by senior naval officers to participate in the event hosted by the Indian Navy.

The Milan 2026 exercise is a biennial naval event organized by India to enhance maritime security cooperation and interoperability among participating countries. The 2026 edition was held near Visakhapatnam and gathered naval forces from dozens of nations.

The exercise operated under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” focusing on strengthening partnerships and improving the operational capabilities of participating navies. Activities included onshore discussions, maritime drills, and professional exchanges designed to build trust and coordination among international naval forces.

Operational Training And Diplomatic Engagement

During the exercise, Vietnam’s Ship 17 and its crew participated in a wide range of activities within the program framework. These included maritime drills, defense diplomacy engagements, and cultural exchanges with other participating navies.

The mission also served as a long-distance sea training opportunity for Vietnamese sailors, helping them gain valuable operational experience in multinational maritime environments. At a welcome ceremony after the ship’s return, Vietnamese naval leadership commended the officers and crew for successfully completing their assigned tasks despite challenges at sea.

Key Highlights

Vietnam People’s Navy Ship 17 participated in the Milan 2026 multilateral naval exercise in India
The exercise brought together naval forces from around 74 countries, with several nations deploying warships
Activities included maritime drills, defense exchanges, and international naval cooperation initiatives
The mission strengthened Vietnam’s defense diplomacy and regional maritime partnerships
Ship 17 safely returned to Ho Chi Minh City after completing the exercise

Strategic Importance For Indo-Pacific Security

Participation in the Milan exercise reflects Vietnam’s broader strategy to strengthen international maritime cooperation while promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The event continues to serve as a major platform for naval engagement, knowledge sharing, and joint operational readiness among global maritime forces.

Sources: Vietnam News Agency, VOV World, VietnamPlus

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