India and Russia to Launch Joint Naval Exercise in Bay of Bengal

DHAKA – India and Russia are set to conduct a major joint naval drill in the Bay of Bengal this February. The exercise, titled “MILAN 2026 Naval Exercise,” marks a significant step in maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Key Participation and Vessel Details
According to a report by the Russian state news agency TASS, citing the Russian Maritime Board, Russia’s Pacific Fleet frigate, Marshal Shaposhnikov, will be a centerpiece of the maneuvers.
The Marshal Shaposhnikov is a formidable asset in Russia’s naval arsenal, equipped with:
* Long-range cruise missiles for surface strikes.
* Anti-submarine guided missiles, making it a multi-role powerhouse.
* Advanced surveillance systems typically used for patrols in the Pacific region.
Timeline and Route
The Russian Maritime Board confirmed that the frigate has already departed for the Bay of Bengal, passing the port of Muscat in Oman last Wednesday. Following the completion of the drills, the vessel is scheduled to dock at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh, India) between February 18 and 25.
Strategic Context
This exercise follows an announcement made three years ago by the Indian Navy. In October 2025, Vice Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan had initially outlined the framework for this high-level engagement.
The drill comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, highlighting the enduring defense partnership between New Delhi and Moscow despite global pressures.