Naval Cooperation – India Deepens Maritime Ties with Germany and Maldives
Naval Cooperation – Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti held key bilateral discussions with senior naval leaders from Germany and the Maldives during the ongoing Exercise MILAN and International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam, reinforcing India’s growing maritime partnerships.
India and Germany Discuss Expanding Naval Engagement
On the sidelines of the large-scale naval events, Vice Admiral Sobti met Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces. The dialogue centered on strengthening collaboration between the two navies, with particular attention to professional exchanges and sustained maritime interaction.
According to the Indian Navy, the meeting explored practical avenues to improve cooperation at sea and enhance mutual understanding through regular engagements. Both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining steady dialogue and building operational synergy.
In a statement shared by the Indian Navy on social media, officials noted that continued exchanges during MILAN 2026 would further deepen ties. The participation of a German Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft in the exercises was highlighted as a visible sign of expanding operational compatibility and coordination between the two forces.
The presence of advanced maritime surveillance assets underlined the growing convergence in capabilities and strategic outlook, reflecting a broader commitment to maintaining stability in key sea lanes.
Strategic Dialogue with Maldives Coast Guard
Vice Admiral Sobti also held discussions with Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of the Coast Guard of the Maldives National Defence Force. The meeting underscored the significance of cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, an area central to regional trade and security.
Officials described the interaction as a reaffirmation of the longstanding maritime partnership between India and the Maldives. Talks focused on expanding professional exchanges, enhancing training initiatives, and improving coordination in safeguarding regional waters.
The Indian Navy emphasized that continued engagement during MILAN 2026 demonstrates both nations’ shared determination to strengthen maritime security and stability. The participation of the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee in the naval exercise was seen as a practical step toward boosting interoperability and collaborative operations.
Over the years, India and the Maldives have worked closely on coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, reflecting a broader commitment to collective security in the region.
International Fleet Review Showcases Operational Readiness
Earlier at the International Fleet Review 2026, the Indian Navy presented a comprehensive display of its multi-domain operational capabilities. The demonstrations included search and rescue operations, tactical manoeuvres at sea, and specialized drills conducted by the Marine Commandos (MARCOS).
The review featured several prominent platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, symbolizing India’s expanding indigenous naval strength and combat preparedness. Through coordinated drills and precision manoeuvres, the Navy showcased its ability to operate across surface, sub-surface, and aerial domains.
The International Fleet Review 2026 is regarded as one of the largest naval gatherings in independent India’s history. A total of 71 ships are scheduled to participate, including 19 foreign warships. The broader Exercise MILAN brings together representatives from 65 nations, highlighting the scale of international engagement and cooperation.
With a diverse array of participating navies and advanced platforms on display, the events in Visakhapatnam have provided an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and confidence-building among maritime partners.
As India continues to expand its global naval outreach, interactions such as these signal a sustained focus on strengthening partnerships, improving interoperability, and ensuring a secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean and beyond.