Q. With reference to the naval exercise “MILAN” consider the following statements:
1.The exercise is focused on enhancing professional interaction between professional armies and gaining experience in multilateral large force operations on land.
2.The exercise was originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’.
Select the correct statements using the codes given below:
Explanation –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Exercise MILAN is a naval exercise, not a land army exercise. It is focused on enhancing professional interaction between navies and gaining experience in multilateral large force operations at sea. Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. The exercise was first held in 1995. MILAN is aimed at fostering cooperation and interoperability between the navies of participating countries. The exercise includes a variety of activities, such as maritime search and rescue, anti-piracy drills, communication exercises, gunnery exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and fleet maneuvers. MILAN also provides an opportunity for participating countries to showcase their naval capabilities and to learn from each other’s best practices.
Statement 2 is correct. The exercise was originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’. It later expanded to include more countries as part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
This expansion involved nations from both the western Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the countries along the IOR coast.
Exercise MILAN 2024 is likely to witness the largest-ever participation with invites being extended to over 50 countries. The exercise aligns with India’s G20 Presidency and the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” emphasizing global unity.
Source: ForumIAS
