3 min readVisakhapatnamFeb 7, 2016 06:46 AM IST
First published on: Feb 7, 2016 at 01:28 AM IST
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (L) and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan (2nd L) at the International Fleet Review and Flypast in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. (Source: PTI)
As India projected its naval might along the eastern seaboard with nearly 75 Indian warships participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday called for using the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship. The review was attended by warships from China, Vietnam, US and Australia, among others.
“While showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, IFR 2016 has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying our common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future,” Mukherjee said after inspecting the parade that witnessed participation from the mightiest of Indian warships including INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Kolkata, frigates and submarines.
Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan had last week told The Indian Express how the IFR was in line with India’s Act East Policy and a means to project India’s power to ensure that maritime laws are respected.
Nearly 75 Indian warships and 24 from navies across the globe sailed past INS Sumitra, which hosted, besides Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three service chiefs, among others.
Among the Indian vessels was INS Vikramaditya, India’s biggest aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, destroyers INS Kolkata, Mysore, frigates Shivalik, Satpura and Teg and three submarines. The event witnessed INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat participating together for the last time, as the latter is set to retire later this year.
Mukherjee watched as the Navy’s surface, sub-surface and aerial platforms performed maneuvers off Visakhapatnam’s Rama Krishna beach. Naval helicopters, including Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and Chetaks performed Search and Rescue missions. Latest acquisition P- 8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft, too, flew past the Presidential yacht. The Hawk and Mig 29 K aircraft displayed the skills of Naval warriors to operate fighter jets at a pressure six times the gravitational force.
Sailors on board the vessels saluted the Presidential yacht and waved their berets in a gesture to acknowledge the review by Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
Nearly 4,000 sailors participated in the review, perceived to be the biggest so far in India. The first international review had taken place in 2001.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (L) and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan (2nd L) at the International Fleet Review and Flypast in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. (Source: PTI)
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