The program launches with a high-profile Presidential Banquet, building excitement for Wednesday’s centerpiece: the presidential review of 70 warships, submarines, and aircraft from India and allied countries off the Visakhapatnam shore. It’s more than a parade—it’s a statement of maritime solidarity, interoperability, and India’s watchful eye over vital sea lanes.

Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer and CM N. Chandrababu Naidu will stand alongside President Murmu. The Navy points out that IFR embodies shared maritime heritage and defensive resolve. Echoing successes of 2001 in Mumbai and 2016 here, this edition promises even greater scale.

Stealing the spotlight is INS Vikrant, the pride of indigenous shipbuilding, whose exploits in Operation Sindoor remain legendary. As the mainstay of the carrier battle group, it dictated the Navy’s offensive strategy, compelling the enemy navy to retreat and seek truce. International delegates will marvel at its capabilities up close.

Complementing the IFR are vibrant city parades, cultural extravaganzas, and citizen-focused events honoring seafaring traditions worldwide. Parallel to this, MILAN 26—the 13th multilateral exercise under Eastern Naval Command—brings together 135+ nations in Bay of Bengal drills to build trust, exchange best practices, and simulate joint missions.

The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium rounds out the historic triple-hosting feat by India. Reflecting on history, the inaugural 2001 IFR saw President Narayanan from INS Sujata, while 2016’s mega-event with 50 nations and 100 ships featured President Mukherjee from INS Sumitra, with PM Modi and Manohar Parrikar, marking an unprecedented naval congregation.

During the war, PNS Ghazi aimed to sink INS Vikrant but fell victim to INS Rajput’s decoy tactics, plunging into the Bay of Bengal. The wreck’s discovery was courtesy of INS Nistar’s diving team. Remarkably, half a century later, an advanced, homegrown INS Nistar returns to these waters for IFR, joining the indigenous INS Vikrant in a display of naval might.

This 10,000-ton behemoth, launched in 2025, fills a long-standing void in India’s submarine rescue capabilities. Paired with sister ship INS Nipun under the Nistar-class project, it’s equipped for the most challenging deep-sea operations. Hindustan Shipyard delivered the first vessel post a 2018 deal, overcoming pandemic hurdles to achieve 80% indigenous content.

Key features include state-of-the-art gear for deploying DSRVs, enabling rescues from extreme depths. Capable of 18 knots, the 120-meter vessel ensures rapid response in submersible crises, saving lives where others falter. Only elite navies possess such assets, positioning India among maritime leaders.

As ‘Nistar’—meaning deliverance in Sanskrit—anchors over Ghazi’s grave, it embodies resilience and innovation. The IFR will showcase over 50 nations’ fleets, but for India, it’s a triumphant nod to 1971 heroes, reinforcing deterrence against historical adversaries.

Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, Androth boasts over 80% indigenous content, highlighting India’s growing maritime self-reliance and commitment to new domestic technologies.

At the Viswanadh Sports Club Stadium, Bengaluru faced the three-time champions Patna in the 17th match of the season. Bengaluru, having lost their initial three matches, desperately needed a win, and their attack and defense proved formidable in this match. With excellent performances from Alireza Mirjafari (10 points) and Ashish Malik (8 points), Bengaluru defeated Patna with a score of 38-30.