-Friday World 22 February 2026
→ Purpose of Rear Admiral Shahram Irani’s Visit to India
The Iranian Navy chief is in India to take part in three major events:
- Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
- Milan 2026 Naval Exercise
- International Fleet Review (IFR)
→ Key Statements from the Iranian Commander Rear Admiral Irani emphasized: “Sustainable maritime security can only be achieved through cooperation and synergy among regional countries. An active and responsible presence in the region guarantees the stability and security of vital energy and trade routes.”
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean in global trade and said multilateral exercises provide an excellent opportunity to enhance operational coordination, boost combat readiness, and advance defence diplomacy.
Irani expressed Iran’s readiness to expand technical and educational cooperation with India and conduct joint exercises in areas of mutual interest. He particularly stressed the value of sharing experience in long-range operations and escort missions for commercial vessels, which can significantly enhance both navies’ capabilities.
→ Response from Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Admiral Tripathi stated that sustained and constructive engagement among regional naval forces plays a vital role in countering common threats such as piracy, organized smuggling, and maritime natural disasters.
He underlined the importance of sharing technical expertise, utilizing mutual training capacities, and expanding maritime cooperation within the framework of shared interests.
→ Scale of Milan 2026 Exercise According to India’s Ministry of Defence statement, the multinational exercise has brought together navy chiefs and delegations from 74 countries — making it one of the largest naval gatherings in the Indian Ocean region.
→ Special Features of Dena Destroyer Dena belongs to Iran’s Mowj-class (Moudge-class) destroyers — fully indigenously designed and built. The warship is engineered for long ocean voyages and is capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging aerial, surface, and submarine targets. It features a helicopter deck for operating rotary-wing aircraft and is equipped with both defensive and offensive weapon systems, making it a highly versatile combat platform.
The deployment aims to promote maritime diplomacy, expand defence interactions, and showcase the operational capabilities of the Iranian Navy on the global stage.
→ Milan 2026: Power Projection in the Indian Ocean Milan 2026 is one of the biggest naval exercises in the Indian Ocean region. It not only sharpens warfighting skills but also plays a crucial role in building trust, interoperability, and coordination among participating nations.
Iran’s participation is especially significant because the Indian Ocean is the lifeline of global trade and energy supplies. Both Iran and India are keen to strengthen their strategic presence in this critical maritime domain.
→ A New Chapter in India-Iran Relations? This visit could open a fresh chapter in defence and maritime cooperation between India and Iran. Both countries already collaborate on projects like Chabahar Port. Growing naval-level engagement now adds a strong strategic dimension that benefits both sides.
The presence of Dena destroyer in Visakhapatnam and the productive meeting between the two naval chiefs send a clear message: India and Iran are ready to work together for peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean.
Will we see even larger joint exercises between the two navies in the coming years? Time will tell. For now, this port call and dialogue deliver a powerful signal of growing trust and partnership.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World 22 February 2026
