NEW DELHI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Indian navy Tuesday began to host a biennial get-together of foreign navies, called Milan 2018 in Andaman and Nicobar islands, officials said.

The multinational mega event, a congregation of littoral navies, is conducted at Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"The event will witness a diverse mix of professional exercises, seminars, social events and sporting fixtures," a government spokesman said.

"The exercise are held under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command."

Officials said the command has been organising the get-together since 1995.

Sixteen countries are participating in the biennial exercise this year, scheduled to conclude on March 13.

"It provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties," the spokesman said.

"The interactions during Milan (2018) encompass sharing of views and ideas on maritime good, order and enhancing regional cooperation for combating unlawful activities at sea."