MILAN 2008

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                 'MILAN' is an initiative of the Indian Navy which was started in 1995. It is a biennial gathering of navies of the Indian Ocean region and is held for building friendship and mutual understanding between participating navies. MILAN is the Hindi word for 'tryst' or 'meeting' which has found encouraging response over the years. MILAN has been an effective forum to discuss common concerns in the Indian Ocean Region and also help forge co-operation initiatives.

          So, far five MILANs have been held, in the years 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2006. The event was not conducted in 2001 and 2005 as, in 2001, the Indian Navy was hosting a significant international event -the International Fleet Review and in 2005, the region was recovering from the after effects of the Tsunami of 26 Dec 2004. 

          The countries which have participated in previous editions of MILAN are shown below

THE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COMMAND

              The Integrated Services Command with its Headquarters by Commander – in – Chief (CINCAN), who exercises direct control over all Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard units based in Andaman  &  Nicobar Islands. The  Operational control is exercised through the respective Component Commanders.

           Air Marshal PP Rajkumar, AVSM  is the present  CINCAN.               

   The CINCAN’s flag is flown at Ross Island, the seat of Naval Coastal Battery. ANC crest is an integrated services symbol superimposed on a Maroon background. The waves at the bottom half  of the  symbol  depicts  the maritime nature of the operations undertaken by the forces based under the ANC.

MILAN LOGO

       The logo of MILAN depicts a 'Hody'- the traditional dugout catamaran mainly used by local fishermen in the Nicobar group of Islands.

             Over 1000 years before the Europeans first sailed into the Indian Ocean in 16th century, the natives of Nicobar and adjoining archipelagic nations had been exploring the islands in this uniquely constructed sickle shaped outrigger –a boat with a float fixed to a boom extended on one side for extra stability. 'Hody' symbolizes the progress of maritime links and trade in these islands and also represents the spirit of the islanders. In the background, the islands of Marigold Sun nestle in the Blue Ocean. The three waves denote the colours of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force signifying the unified nature of the Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Friendship Across The Seas