The multinational naval exercise ‘MILAN 2018’ is going to begin in the sea water of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India’s water territory on March 6 with the theme of ‘Friendship Across the Seas’. With other 21 foreign countries, BNS Dhaleshwari, a castle-class guided missile corvette of Bangladesh Navy has left the country yesterday noon to participate in the multinational naval exercise in India. This year, a number of naval warships from 16 foreign countries- Australia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Vietnam, Thailand, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya and Cambodia will take part in the naval exercise. But, Maldives has declined India's invitation to take part in the 16-nation naval exercises, MILAN, which was first held in 1995 at the Indian water territory.

The Indian military’s Andaman and Nicobar Command will hold the MILAN naval exercise at Port Blair from March 6-13. The exercise will witness a mix of professional exercises and seminars, social events and sporting fixtures. The interactions during naval parade will share the views and ideas on maritime order and enhancing regional cooperation for combating unlawful activities at sea. According to the Indian media report, an international city parade will be held along the Marina Park Road, with marching contingents from the participating naval powers as well as the Indian Armed Forces.

The parade will include a flypast and aerobatic display by military aircraft and demonstrations of various military operations. Besides, visiting foreign ships will also be open for visits by school children and local people. MILAN 2018 will culminate with passage exercise at sea with the participation of the naval forces.