-
As the age-old adage goes, 'Oceans unite, they don't divide' - the seas
connect all of us. In our professional lives, we navigate waters vastly separated
by distance, but to a common destination of 'Camaraderie, Cohesion,
Collaboration' - the theme of MILAN 2024. This spirit also derives from India's
vision of 'SAGAR' - Security and Growth for All in the Region. It is also a
reaffirmation of India's G20 Presidency theme - 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or
'One Earth, One Family, One Future'.
-
The twelfth edition of MILAN aims to carry this shared idea forward. The
events during this exercise will provide participants an invaluable opportunity
to share operational insights in harbour, hone skills at sea, enhance
camaraderie on the sports fields, and gain an exposure to Indian culture.
-
In harbour, you can look forward to discussions on topical issues, as part
of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and Table Top Exercise. Further, the
International Maritime Seminar will provide the Senior Commanders an
opportunity to exchange ideas on shared maritime challenges, opportunities and
priorities. For the young officers, we will conduct sail and damage control
training, as weJl as demonstration of Submarine Rescue Exercise by a Deep
Submergence Rescue Vessel. These exercises in harbour will certainly augment
our combined credible response at sea.
-
During the sea phase, our assets will engage In a gamut of operational
drills In multi-national groupings, including seamanship evolutions, weapon
firings, Anti-submarine warfare and Air Defence exercises and tactical
manoeuvres. These will not only refine skills of our operators, maintainers,
and planners, but will also allow us to exploit the full range of competencies
that each of us bring to the table!
-
MILAN 2024 will not be 'all work, and no play'! The participating Navies
can look forward to many recreational events, cultural tours, sports
championships, city parade, and social exchanges, which celebrate our collective
heritage.
-
As is often said, maritime nations have a shared destiny. In that spirit, I
think it is quite apt that MIlAN 2024 is being conducted in the 'City of
Destiny' - Visakhapatnam. I am sure you will enjoy this picturesque city, which
holds a place of pride in the Indian Navy's history as well.
-
The Indian Navy looks forward to hosting your operational platforms,
Delegations and Observers. We assure you of a professionally rewarding,
operationally stimulating and culturally enriching experience, as we start the
countdown to MILAN 2024.
-
Śaṃ No Varuṇaḥ! May the Lord of Oceans be auspicious unto us!