SAEDNEWS: Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani held talks with his Indian counterpart Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on the sidelines of the MILAN 2026 naval exercise, focusing on expanding bilateral maritime cooperation.
In a meeting on the sidelines of the multinational exercise MILAN 2026, hosted by the Indian Navy, the two sides discussed the development of training cooperation, the exchange of military delegations, the holding of joint specialized courses, and the expansion of operational interactions in the fields of maritime search and rescue, counter-piracy efforts, and ensuring the security of international shipping lanes.
Referring to the strategic position of the Indian Ocean region in global trade, the Iranian Navy commander emphasized that sustainable maritime security can only be achieved through cooperation and synergy among regional countries. He noted that the active and responsible presence of naval forces can guarantee the stability and security of vital energy and trade routes.
Admiral Irani also described multilateral exercises as a valuable opportunity to enhance operational coordination, improve combat readiness, and strengthen defense diplomacy among participating countries.
For his part, the Indian Navy chief expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Iranian delegation at MILAN 2026, describing the exercise as a symbol of maritime cooperation among friendly and partner countries. He stated that continuous and constructive interaction among regional navies plays an important role in countering shared threats, including piracy, organized smuggling, and maritime natural disasters.
Tripathi further stressed the importance of exchanging technical knowledge, utilizing mutual training capacities, and expanding maritime cooperation within the framework of shared interests.
Exercise MILAN 2026 is the 13th edition of the Indian Navy's biennial multilateral naval exercise, held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This year’s event also coincides with the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the IONS Conclave with over 72 participating nations and more than 60 warships.
