Indian Naval Chief Engages with Global Counterparts at International Fleet Review

Feb 19, 2026

84 min

Feb 19, 2026 00:30

India's Chief of Naval Staff meets heads of Russian, Thai, Lanka navies at IFR

## Key Naval Interactions at IFR

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, India's Chief of Naval Staff, participated in significant discussions with naval leaders from Russia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka during the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam. These interactions emphasized the enduring naval partnerships and operational collaborations between India and these nations.

## Strengthening India-Russia Naval Ties

Admiral Tripathi met with Admiral Aleksandr Alekseevich Moiseev of the Russian Navy. Their dialogue underscored the long-standing cooperation between the two navies, focusing on operational interactions and professional exchanges, supported by agreements like RELOS and exercises such as INDRA Navy.

## Enhancing Cooperation with Thailand and Sri Lanka

The Indian Naval Chief also engaged with Admiral Pairote Fuangchan of the Royal Thai Navy. Discussions revolved around advancing joint exercises, including Exercise Ayutthaya and the Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX, as well as enhancing information sharing.

In a similar vein, Admiral Tripathi's meeting with Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda of the Sri Lanka Navy highlighted ongoing operational linkages and capacity-building efforts, reinforced through initiatives like Exercise SLINEX.

## Broader International Engagements

Vice-Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, held talks with Vice Admiral Axel Deertz of the German Fleet, focusing on enhancing cooperation and professional exchanges. The presence of German maritime patrol aircraft signified growing operational convergence.

Additionally, Vice-Admiral Sobti met with Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem from the Maldives, emphasizing the strong maritime partnership and shared commitment to regional security.

## International Fleet Review Highlights

The International Fleet Review 2026 featured participation from 74 countries, with President Droupadi Murmu reviewing the fleet. The event showcased India's maritime capabilities, including demonstrations by MARCOS and dynamic maritime maneuvers, highlighting India's combat readiness and indigenous maritime power.

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