- Why in news
- On 18 February 2026, President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the International Fleet Review 2026 at Visakhapatnam, with navies of more than 70 countries taking part.
- What it is
- An International Fleet Review is a ceremonial parade of warships from many navies before a head of state. The Indian Navy has hosted it at Visakhapatnam in 2016 and 2026. The President of India, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, takes the review.
- Venue and date
- The review was held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 18 February 2026.
- Participation
- Navies of more than 70 countries are taking part.
- Theme
- The theme of the review is United Through Oceans.
- MAHASAGAR
- MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions; the review carries forward this vision.
- Supreme Commander
- The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces under Article 53 of the Constitution.
Don’t confuse with Fleet Review vs MILAN: The International Fleet Review is a ceremonial review of ships before the President. MILAN is a separate multilateral naval exercise and gathering hosted by India at Visakhapatnam.
Defence: Prelims tests exercises (with whom), equipment (who makes it) and firsts.
Why it matters
- Showcases India's naval capability and maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Builds trust and interoperability with partner navies.
Put in your answer
MAHASAGAR: India's maritime vision stressing partnership for security and growth across regions.
- 2022Mains GS3 · Q10Discuss maritime security challenges in India and initiatives to improve maritime security.
- 2025Mains GS3 · Q20Why is maritime security vital to India's sea trade? Discuss challenges and way forward.
- 2017Prelims Q68Which statements about the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are correct?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Prelims practice · Statements
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements:
- 1.The International Fleet Review 2026 was held at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
- 2.The theme of the International Fleet Review 2026 was 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
- 3.MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 5
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The International Fleet Review 2026 was held at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
True. The venue was Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
2.Navies of more than 70 countries are participating in the International Fleet Review 2026.
True. More than 70 navies are participating.
3.MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
True. This is the expansion of MAHASAGAR.
4.The review was taken by the Prime Minister as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
False. The President witnessed it; the President is the Supreme Commander (Article 53).
5.The Indian Navy was described as often being the first responder in humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
True. The President said so in her address.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.