Numerous warships, both from the Indian Navy and foreign countries, took part in the Harbour Phase of MILAN 2024 on the third day of the country's largest-ever multilateral naval exercise.
This phase, running from February 19 to 23, encompasses activities such as an international city parade on RK Beach, a maritime seminar, a maritime tech expo, Milan village, expert exchange sessions, Milan of young officers, and various sports events.
Varyag (011), a Slava-class cruiser, and Marshal Shaposhnikov (BPK 543), an Udaloy-class Cruiser from the Russian Navy, arrived at Visakhapatnam to participate in the multinational naval exercise on Monday.
MILAN 2024: Naval Confluence Demonstrating India's Commitment to Regional Collaboration
“India's MILAN initiative initially focused on the Andaman Nicobar area, has expanded over time to adopt a more comprehensive outlook. The concept of a 1000-ship Navy emerged as a response to the recognition that collective efforts are essential for managing the vast expanses of oceans. MILAN functions as a potent tool, uniting like-minded participants to understand each other's concerns, ensure equipment compatibility, and promote overall collaboration” Commodore RS Vasan, Director General of the Chennai Centre of China Studies told Sputnik India.
The format includes land-based exercises with tabletop scenarios relating to pollution, piracy and other significant incidents. These exercises provide valuable insights that are critical to responding effectively to real-world situations.
Stabilising Maritime Realms: India's Call for Responsible Engagement With Russia's Support
“The INDRA exercises between Russia and India, which encompass joint evaluations and skill development, play a vital role. Reflecting on the past, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) achievements in offshore oil exploration were greatly influenced by earlier Russian scientific studies. This partnership proved instrumental in assisting India in overcoming challenges related to energy imports” he noted.
Addressing about Russia's role in the Indo-Pacific, the Commodore stated that ''it aligns with the understanding that oceans are global commons, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and regional laws. India, with its Maritime Zones Act 1976, collaborates with Russia and other nations to harness technology beyond its territorial waters for mutual benefit.''
“Despite the strategic partnership between China and Russia, India and Russia share a time-tested relationship spanning decades, extending beyond the maritime field to defence, nuclear, and space areas,” the expert said.
In addressing concerns in the South China Sea, Vasan pointed out that “India recognizes the necessity of involving responsible players such as Russia. Leveraging the friendship between Russia and China, India aims to contribute to stabilizing the maritime environment in the South China Sea through responsible conduct, acknowledging the current uncertainty in the region.”
Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, desk
© Sputnik
Russia's Integral Role: Fostering Balance & Multipolarity in Indo-Pacific Maritime Arena
Hence, the collaboration between the Russian Navy and the Indian Navy, according to the Commodore, “holds a strategic security implication that not only is restricted to the Chennai-Vladivostok route but also other regions in Indo-Pacific. It involves joint efforts to ensure security and stability along this route, underscoring the shared interest in these areas crucial to both nations”.
Vasan highlighted that “the partnership between India and Russia at MILAN 2024 underscores Russia's crucial role as an equal and indispensable strategic ally for India, and India desires active Russian involvement and engagement in the development of the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Consequently, Russia's participation in all activities within the Indo-Pacific is deemed crucial, contributing to achieving a balance across the extensive maritime arena, spanning from the east coast of Africa to Australia and beyond thereby fostering the concept of a Multipolar Asia”, he added.
In the broader context of engaging with regional partners in the Indian Ocean, the Commodore concluded that ''Russia holds strategic and economic ties with all participants in the Indo-Pacific region. This interconnected network should be utilized for the collective benefit of the area.''