The Indian Navy hosted the International Maritime Seminar in Visakhapatnam, India, from February 19 to 20 as part of Exercise Milan.

The two-day seminar aimed to foster professional dialogue, enhance operational understanding and strengthen maritime cooperation among partner navies.

Indian Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla emphasised the importance of the forum.

“This seminar brings together maritime leaders, policymakers and strategic thinkers to exchange perspectives on issues that directly shape security, stability and prosperity at sea,” Vice Admiral Bhalla said.

Vice Admiral Bhalla underscored the central role of sustained dialogue, professional engagement and cooperative approaches in addressing shared maritime challenges and reinforcing trust among nations.

He was confident discussions would significantly contribute to strengthening maritime partnerships, enhancing interoperability and promoting peace and stability across the seas.

During the seminar, Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith participated in a panel discussion titled The united oceans: Strengthening regional cooperation for maritime security and sustainable growth, alongside representatives from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Singapore Navy.

Rear Admiral Smith highlighted the essential role of maritime forces in safeguarding global trade and maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific.

“Australia is an island nation, girt by the Indian, Pacific and Southern oceans, whose economic wellbeing – and indeed our way of life – depends on free and unfettered access to the sea,” Rear Admiral Smith said.

“We are not alone in this symbiotic relationship with the maritime domain. More than half of global trade moves by sea, much of it through the Indo-Pacific, which hosts the world's busiest sea-lanes of communication and critical undersea infrastructure.

“The sea connects us and sustains us. When managed responsibly and treated as a shared global good, it benefits every nation. It is quite literally the tide that raises all boats.

“Australia's strategic intent is clear: a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where international law is upheld, disputes are resolved peacefully and maritime activity is conducted safely and professionally.”

Participating navies then returned to sea for the next phase of Exercise Milan.