The International Fleet Review (IFR) & MILAN-26, a biennial multilateral maritime event hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995 at Visakhapatnam, is being organised this year in February 2026.
On Friday, 20th February 2026, a special Cultural Tour to Bodhgaya was arranged, during which a distinguished delegation comprising approximately 327 naval officers and personnel from the foreign navies of 74 countries visited the sacred city for a day and paid homage at the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival, the delegates were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Member Secretary, BTMC and Venerables Bhikkhu Chalinda, Chief Monk and Bhikkhu Dr. Dinanand, Caretaker of the Mahabodhi Temple , all the Resident monks of Mahabodhi Mahavihara and Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh, Member-BTMC with ceremonial khada offerings.
The delegation was guided through the temple complex and the sacred Bodhi Tree, where they were briefed about the life of Lord Buddha, the significance of Enlightenment, and the global relevance of Buddhist teachings in promoting peace, compassion, and coexistence — values that resonate deeply with international maritime cooperation and friendship.
The visit concluded with expressions of admiration and gratitude from the visiting delegates, who described the experience as spiritually enriching and memorable, strengthening cultural bonds between India and the international maritime community.