Hosted by the Indian Navy, the event brought together naval forces from numerous countries, becoming a large-scale naval diplomacy activity that contributes to enhancing cooperation and building trust at sea.
    |
 |
|
Formation of nearly 100 naval vessels participating in the IFR 2026 off Visakhapatnam |
A highlight of the ceremony was the fleet review chaired by Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as she inspected the assembled fleets at the offshore anchorage area. The indigenously built offshore patrol vessel INS Sumedha served as the Presidential Yacht, carrying the Head of State and leading the ceremonial formation past participating naval contingents.
|
|
 |
|
Indian President Droupadi Murmu attends the fleet review. |
|
|
 |
|
INS Sumedha carries the Indian President and leads the review formation. |
Across the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal, nearly 100 warships, support vessels, and naval assets from India and friendly nations were arranged in solemn formation. Ships were anchored in precise columns, with sailors in full dress uniform lining the decks, ready to perform the traditional saluting ceremony, a long-standing custom symbolizing honor, discipline, and identity of the naval force.
In addition to the anchored formation, the review featured a “steam past” segment, in which warship and submarine groups maneuvered in parade formation at sea; aerial displays by naval aircraft; a sailing parade; helicopter-based search and rescue demonstrations; and performances by marine special forces. These activities comprehensively showcased modern naval operational capabilities, humanitarian assistance, and multi-force coordination.
|
|
 |
|
Members of Ship 17 of the Vietnam People’s Navy performs the saluting ceremony. |
Within the international review formation, Ship 17 of the Vietnam People's Navy anchored at Column No.3 and carried out the prescribed saluting ceremony for the Indian President. The image of Vietnam’s red flag with a yellow star flying among multinational naval formations left a strong impression, reflecting the regularity, professionalism, and responsibility of the Vietnam People’s Navy in multilateral defence diplomacy activities. The participation of Ship 17 contributed to enhancing exchanges, mutual understanding, trust-building, and affirming Vietnam’s pro-active and responsible role in maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security in the region.
|
|
 |
|
Naval vessels of participating countries at the fleet review |
According to the Indian Navy, an international fleet review is a special military ceremony intended to demonstrate maritime strength, organizational capacity, and the spirit of international cooperation. This year’s event was held in conjunction with MILAN 2026 and related exchanges, seminars, and naval cooperation activities, thereby improving coordination in responding to non-traditional security challenges, search and rescue operations, and maritime safety assurance.
|
|
 |
|
Naval formations conduct the “steam past” maneuver. |
The ceremony concluded in a friendly atmosphere. Amid the vast Indian Ocean, ship horns, maneuvering formations, and formal salutes not only highlighted the strength of modern navies but also conveyed a clear message of peace, cooperation, and freedom of navigation. The active and responsible participation of the Vietnam People’s Navy continues to project the image of a peace-loving nation ready to cooperate for stability and development in the region and the world.
Translated by Trung Thanh