International Fleet Review 2026: India Skips China, Pakistan, Turkiye
Why in the news
India has decided not to invite China, Pakistan and Turkiye to the third International Fleet Review, scheduled at Visakhapatnam in February 2026. The report was published on 31 October 2025.
Key facts
- Venue and time: Visakhapatnam, February 2026.
- Theme: United Through Oceans, presenting the seas as shared spaces linking nations.
- Reviewing officer: President Droupadi Murmu.
- Milan 2026: the naval exercise will run alongside, with the focus on camaraderie, cooperation and collaboration.
- Participation: over 55 nations have confirmed, including the United States and Russia.
| Country not invited | Reason given in the report |
|---|---|
| Turkiye | Support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor |
| Pakistan | Adversarial relations |
| China | Strategic tensions in the Indian Ocean Region |
About fleet reviews
A fleet review is a ceremonial parade of naval ships before the head of state. The first Presidential Fleet Review in independent India was held in 1953 under President Rajendra Prasad.
Exam angle
- Venue Visakhapatnam, theme ‘United Through Oceans’ and the third IFR edition.
- The reviewing officer is the President, as Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
- Milan is a related multilateral naval exercise held at the same time.