The Indian Navy began an eight-day-long mega naval exercise at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands amid heightened regional tension in the region.
The biennial exercise, Milan, is taking place in the backdrop of imposition of state of emergency in Maldives and Sri Lanka, two of India's maritime neighbours, and China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Indian Navy officials said 28 warships including 17 from India and 11 from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand will be participating in the exercise.
The aim of the exercise is to expand regional cooperation and combat unlawful activities in critical sea lanes.
A senior Navy official said, “Besides the warships, the prestigious international event will also see the participation of 39 delegates from 16 countries, making it the largest gathering since its inception in 1995.”
