Visakhapatnam, March 5 Many crew members of the Iranian warship Dena were unaware that they would not be able to cherish the pleasant memories they had experienced in Visakhapatnam just a few days ago. Whether it was the long walks on Rushikonda Beach or a visit to the healthy Kailasagiri hills, the Iranian crew members had a good time in India.
The sailors spent cheerful days in Visakhapatnam during the multinational naval exercise, MILAN 2026, interacting with residents here and exploring the popular landmarks of the coastal city.
During their stay between February 15 and 25, the sailors also participated in cultural tours organized under the Incredible India program.
Some of them traveled to Agra to explore the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and other historical destinations, experiencing India's heritage beyond the naval engagements and professional interactions.
Videos and photographs of the sailors smiling, walking along beaches, and interacting with people in the city were widely shared on social media.
"They (the Iranians) were friendly young sailors, taking selfies with locals and enjoying the hospitality of Vizag," recalled Sohan Hatangadi, a local who interacted with them during the visit.
They also visited the war memorial, the submarine museum, and other locations here.
Some Iranian sailors also visited Sankalp Art Village on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam and spent time at the MILAN pavilion, where they were seen having tea and snacks while interacting with naval personnel and visitors.
Several sailors were also seen shopping for traditional Indian textiles, locals recalled.
The warship IRIS Dena is a Moudge-class frigate and had nearly 180 crew members on board.
According to a defence official, the Iranian naval delegation included Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, and Abuzar Zarri, the commanding officer of IRIS Dena.
"During the MILAN 2026 exercise, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, interacted with Rear Admiral Shahram Irani as part of engagements among participating navies," the official told