At the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, met with the heads of the Russian, Thai, and Sri Lankan navies. The engagements highlighted India’s growing maritime diplomacy, focusing on cooperation, interoperability, and collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, witnessed a powerful display of maritime unity with participation from navies worldwide. On the sidelines of the event, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), held bilateral interactions with Admiral Aleksandr Alekseevich Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, as well as senior naval leaders from Thailand and Sri Lanka.
The discussions underscored the importance of longstanding India–Russia naval cooperation, while also strengthening ties with Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean partners. Officials noted that the dialogues focused on interoperability, maritime security, and collaborative exercises, reinforcing India’s role as a key player in regional stability.
The IFR, part of the broader MILAN 2026 naval exercise, brought together warships and delegations from multiple countries, showcasing India’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts view these engagements as a strategic step in enhancing multilateral maritime partnerships, particularly at a time when global focus on the Indo-Pacific is intensifying.
Key Highlights
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Event: International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Visakhapatnam.
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Indian Navy Lead: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.
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Key Meetings: Russian Navy Chief Admiral Moiseev; senior leaders from Thailand and Sri Lanka.
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Focus Areas: Maritime cooperation, interoperability, and security.
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Strategic Context: Part of MILAN 2026, showcasing India’s Indo-Pacific leadership.
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Global Participation: Warships and delegations from multiple friendly nations.
Sources: IANS – CNS Meets Russian, Thai, Sri Lankan Naval Chiefs at IFR; UNI – IFR 2026 Maritime Unity Display; Economic Times – MILAN 2026 Naval Engagements