The Indian Navy will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) in February 2026 in Visakhapatnam, marking the 75th anniversary of India’s Republic. This event underscores India’s commitment to a rules-based international order and highlights its role as a key architect in multilateral maritime engagement, addressing challenges like piracy and climate change. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that naval diplomacy is crucial for India’s strategic outreach, particularly in the context of the India-China dynamic in the Indian Ocean Region. As India aspires to be a global maritime leader by 2047, initiatives like the IFR, along with various regional exercises and cooperative frameworks, signify its evolving identity from a Net Security Provider to a Preferred Security Partner.