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At the 10th edition of the India Defence Conclave today, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi underscored India’s growing maritime strength, its commitment to self-reliance, and the nation’s role in shaping a stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific order. He also announced that the next edition of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 will be hosted in Visakhapatnam in February 2026, with participation expected from more than 55 countries.
“Indigenous strength ultimately derives its meaning from security,” Admiral Tripathi declared in his inaugural address. “The Indian Navy remains combat-ready to maintain order and peace across global waters — especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).”
The Navy Chief noted that the service is moving towards full indigenization, emphasizing that “the Indian Navy will take Atmanirbharta to the component level.” He highlighted that nearly all new platforms, from warships and submarines to advanced electronic systems, are now designed and built in India, marking a decisive shift in the nation’s defence-industrial landscape.
10th India Defence Conclave | Inaugural Session
Technology, Trade, and Tensions in the Indo-Pacific
The Navy chief cautioned that “today, technology, trade, and tensions are converging faster than ever before,” calling for resilient partnerships and innovation-driven collaboration to sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.
He reiterated India’s long-standing maritime vision, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), as a guiding framework for cooperation and security in the wider maritime commons.
“India’s approach to global partnerships is not about choosing between outward engagement and inner resilience,” the Chief said. “These are complementary imperatives that together define our vision of a secure, self-reliant, and cooperative maritime order.”
MILAN 2026: Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
He announced that MILAN 2026, one of the world’s largest multilateral naval exercises will be next year where more than 55 navies will be participating. The event will bring together navies from across the Indo-Pacific, reflecting growing convergence among like-minded nations to uphold freedom of navigation and collective maritime security.
Admiral Tripathi stressed that exercises like MILAN, along with coordinated patrols and joint missions in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and anti-piracy operations, “demonstrate the credibility and reliability of India’s maritime partnerships.”
India’s Defence-Industrial Transformation
The conclave also spotlighted India’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem, with senior officials, industry leaders, and international delegates discussing initiatives to transform the country into a global hub for advanced defence technologies.
He lauded the synergy between the armed forces, industry, and academia, noting that the Navy’s indigenization drive is not limited to platforms but extends “to every component and system that powers them.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Navy’s mission:
“A confident and capable India contributes to a more stable and secure world. Our pursuit of Atmanirbharta is not isolationist, it is about building enduring strength, partnerships, and shared prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.”
The India Defence Conclave, now in its tenth year, focused on Indigenization, Innovation, and International Cooperation, pillars of India’s evolving security and industrial strategy.
