Russia to send warships into Bay of Bengal, will conduct joint military drills with India

Moscow: India and Russia will conduct joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean in February 2026. This information was reported by Russian state media TASS, citing the Russian Maritime Board press service. It stated that the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov will participate in the 'MILAN-2026' exercise in the Bay of Bengal next month. As part of the exercise, the Marshal Shaposhnikov will make an informal visit to the Indian port of Visakhapatnam from February 18 to 25.

What did Russia say about naval exercise with India?

The statement said that a frigate of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet will depart from the port of Muscat in Oman to participate in the MILAN 2026 exercise and will then make an informal visit to the Indian port of Visakhapatnam from February 18 to 25. During this time, it will conduct exercises with the Indian Navy. Afterward, the warship will head towards Vladivostok to rejoin the Pacific Fleet.

What is the MILAN 2026 exercise?

The Indian Navy will host "MILAN 2026" in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026. This will be the 13th edition of the exercise. The aim of this exercise is to bring together the navies of various countries for maritime cooperation and a secure Indian Ocean. Invitations have been sent to more than 135 countries for this event. Navies of major countries like the US, Russia, Japan, and Australia have confirmed their participation. An International Fleet Review (IFR) will also be held during this time, where President Droupadi Murmu will review the fleet on February 18.  India's indigenously built ships, including INS Vikrant, will be showcased during the event.