February 13, 2026 | 23:01 (GMT+7)
Ship 17 arrives in India, ready to join MILAN 2026
PANO - On February 12, Ship 17 Brigade 171 of the Vietnam People’s Navy and the Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2 Senior Captain Le Dinh Nghi, arrived at Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh, India, officially commencing its activities within the framework of the Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 2026.
A solemn welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese naval delegation was held by the Indian Navy, the host of MILAN 2026, later the same day. The two sides exchanged and agreed on contents within MILAN 2026.
During the voyage to Visakhapatnam, officers and sailors of Ship 17, along with the delegation, reviewed and implemented plans for participating in MILAN 2026. The ship’s personnel intensified training throughout the long voyage and rehearsed combat readiness drills, including counter-piracy operations and protection of ship’s survivability.
This marks the fourth time the Vietnam People’s Navy has taken part in the MILAN in India. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the Vietnam People’s Navy to further enhance coordination in addressing maritime security challenges, while strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and trust among the armed forces and navies of participating countries, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Below are photos highlighting the activities of Ship 17 and the delegation of the Vietnam People’s Navy in India.
    |
 |
|
Officers and sailors of Ship 17 maneuver the vessel into its designated anchorage in accordance with plan. |
    |
 |
|
Representatives of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy conduct a welcome ceremony for the delegation of the Vietnam People’s Navy upon its arrival to participate in MILAN 2026. |
    |
 |
|
Representatives of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy and the Vietnamese naval delegation discuss and agree on activity plans. |
    |
 |
|
The officers and sailors of Ship 17 conducting a drill to safeguard the ship’s survivability |
By Nguyen Tinh – Hoang Trieu (from Visakhapatnam, India)
Translated by Tran Hoai