The Indian Navy successfully conducted the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on 18 February 2026, with participation from 74 countries, marking a grand maritime event that highlighted global naval cooperation, professional camaraderie and India’s growing maritime capability. IFR 2026 was the third International Fleet Review hosted by India, following earlier editions at Mumbai (2001) and Visakhapatnam (2016).
The Hon’ble President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, reviewed the Fleet from INS Sumedha, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel that served as the Presidential Yacht for the occasion. INS Sumedha was adorned with the Ashoka Emblem and flew the President’s Standard. The review commenced with a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and a 21-Gun Salute, following which the President sailed past the assembled fleet of anchored warships.
A total of 85 ships, including 19 foreign warships, participated in the review. The Indian contingent comprised 60 Indian Navy ships, four Indian Coast Guard vessels, and one ship each from the Shipping Corporation of India and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. The event also featured three Indian Navy submarines, a French Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft, and participation of over 60 aircraft, reflecting robust multi-domain maritime capability.
The review included a spectacular fly-past by the Indian Naval Air Arm, followed by a mobile column of warships and submarines steaming past the Presidential Yacht. Additional highlights included Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue demonstrations, and aerial manoeuvres by Hawk aircraft, offering a vivid display of operational coordination at sea.
Addressing the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu emphasised India’s inclusive maritime vision, stating that the participation of numerous friendly nations reflected the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. She highlighted India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and noted that the theme “United Through Oceans” conveyed a powerful message of collective security and cooperation to the global community.
The International Fleet Review 2026 was telecast live on Doordarshan and streamed on the Indian Navy’s official digital platforms, enabling audiences worldwide to witness the event. IFR 2026 reaffirmed India’s commitment to maritime partnership, interoperability and collective security, while showcasing the Indian Navy’s indigenous strength, professionalism and enduring global partnerships.
