Iran sends Dena destroyer to MILAN2026 exercise in the Indian Ocean
Iran sends Dena destroyer to MILAN-2026 exercise in the Indian Ocean
TEHRAN – In line with marine diplomacy, expanding defense interactions, and demonstrating operational capabilities in open seas, the Iranian Navy has sent its Dena destroyer to the Indian Ocean to participate in the “MILAN 2026” naval exercises hosted by India.
The destroyer has docked at the Indian port of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal.
MILAN exercises are held every two years in the Indian Ocean.
Iran’s Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Iran attended the conclave of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Visakhapatnam on Friday to participate in the opening ceremony of the MILAN-2026 exercise.
Iran is among the 25 countries member to IONS. IONS also includes several observer countries, such as Russia, Italy, Germany, Japan, Spain, China, the Netherlands, and others.
It is a voluntary initiative launched by the Indian Navy in 2008 to promote maritime cooperation among navies of the Indian Ocean Region. It serves as a platform for dialogue, information sharing and collaboration on maritime security and related issues, The Hindu reported.
On Friday, India officially assumed the chairmanship of IONS from Thailand. The chairmanship rotates among member countries for a two-year term.
The conclave brought together chiefs of navies and heads of maritime security agencies from 33 countries, representing members, observers and other Indian Ocean littoral nations, The Hindu reported.
The Indian Navy has announced that the purpose behind the exercise is to foster professional amity between the member countries’ navies, share experiences and naval operations, promote operational coordination, and increase cooperation in areas of marine security.
Iran insists on cooperation for marine security
The Iranian Navy chief insisted on the need to share operational experiences, increase cooperation, and promote marine training in the face of common threats at sea and guarantee security in international waters.
Shahram Irani made the remarks in separate meetings with his South African and Sri Lankan counterparts on the sidelines of the IONS meeting.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to share its experiences in technical, operational, and training areas with the South African Navy,” Shahram Irani said in the meeting with the South African Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.
For his part, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese said naval cooperation can significantly contribute to marine security in connecting routes and regional stability.
He also praised Iran’s active participation in international naval exercises, saying this signifies the Islamic Republic’s “responsible approach” toward marine security.
Iran seeking to strengthen ties with friendly countries
In his meeting with Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Admiral Irani also said Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with friendly countries.
Irani also said marine diplomacy is one of the main strategies of the Iranian Navy.
“The Islamic Republic has a special view toward cementing ties with friendly countries in the Indian Ocean region and is ready to expand its cooperation with these countries in areas of technical training, sharing of technical experiences, and holding joint drills,” Irani explained.
The Iranian navy commander added that marine cooperation serves as the bedrock for peace, security, and sustainable growth.
For his part, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda pointed to the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean in global security and called for the enhancement of marine cooperation between countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
source: tehrantimes.com