Russian Pacific Fleet frigate departs Muscat Port today for “Milan-2026” naval exercises

A Russian Pacific Fleet frigate has officially departed from the Muscat Port in Oman today, setting a course for the Indian coast to participate in the upcoming Milan-2026 naval exercises. This is a strategic movement that highlights the expanding cooperation between Russia and India in the sphere of the sea. The ship will be participating in a multinational alliance of foreign vessels in the Bay of Bengal where they will take part in complicated exercises aimed at increasing interoperability and security in the area. The frigate will proceed to the exercise area right after they leave and this will be a great contribution to the large scale multilateral exercises taking place this year.

Strategic Importance of Milan-2026

The Milan-2026 exercises are poised to be a landmark event in naval diplomacy, bringing together over 50 nations to foster “Camaraderie, Cooperation, and Collaboration.” The participation of the Russian Pacific Fleet highlights the global significance of these drills, which focus on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and maritime domain awareness. The theme of this year edition, which is hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, is to enhance stability in the Indian Ocean Region by combining operational practices.

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Unofficial Visit to Visakhapatnam

After completing the Milan-2026 drills, the frigate will conduct an unofficial visit to the port of Visakhapatnam from February 18 to 25. This visit, following the departure from Muscat Port, allows for cultural exchange and professional interaction between the Russian crew and their Indian counterparts, further solidifying the naval bond between the two historic partners. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.