International Fleet Review 2016: Glimpses of Indian Navy’s majestic display

President Pranab Mukherjee today embarked on Presidential Yacht 'INS Sumitra' and reviewed the imposing international parade of fleet at IFR-2016 here where 50 countries across the globe have come together to participate in this show of prowess and preparedness by the Indian Navy.
Mukherjee, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, among others at the International Fleet Review (IFR).

President Pranab Mukherjee accepting the guard of honour at the International Fleet Review and Flypast in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. (Source: PTI)

This is the 11th fleet review after independence and the second international one being conducted in India. The President was onboard 'INS Sumitra' which sailed through a display of around 75 warships and 24 from Navies across the globe sailed past the Presidential yacht INS Sumitra, that, besides Mukherjee hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, three service chiefs besides others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspecting the Guard of Honour at the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. (Source: PTI)

Speaking after reviewing the fleet, Mukherjee said 50 friendly Navies have sailed across oceans and sent Naval ships and/or delegations to participate in the first IFR on the east coast of India at Visakhapatnam.
"Navies world over have conducted fleet reviews to symbolise their loyalty, allegiance to the nation and strengthening bonds between the sailors and the State. IFR 2016 does that much and much more", the President said.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at aboard INS Sumitra during at International Fleet Review 2016, Visakhapatnam on February 06, 2016. The Union Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan are also seen. (Source: PTI)

The review had a combination of ships from Indian Navy as well as frontline Navies from across the globe. The ships from Indian Coast Guard and Mercantile Marine also participated. In this most formal of naval ceremonies, each ship dressed in full regalia saluted the President as he passed.

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)

The President said India's geographical location, astride the major shipping routes of the Indian Ocean, gives it a pivotal maritime role.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan on his arrival at the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. (Source: PTI)

The President also reviewed the Indian Naval air arm in a display of spectacular fly-past by several fixed wing and rotary aircraft comprising 15 formations.
In the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines streamed past the Presidential Yacht. This display showcased the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy. (Source: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being briefed about different green initiatives taken by Indian Navy, at Vizag at International Fleet Review 2016, in Visakhapatnam on February 06, 2016. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan is also seen. (Source: PIB)

Amongst the Indian platforms that paraded in front of the high profile delegation off the east coast was INS Vikramaditya- India’s biggest aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, destroyers INS Kolkata, Mysore, frigates- Shivalik, Satpura, Teg amongst others.

Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is seen during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam, India, Thursday, February. 4, 2016. (Source: AP)

NS Vikramaditya is photographed in the foreground during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)

Close to 4000 sailors participated in the fleet review- perceived to be the biggest so far in India. The first international review had taken place in 2001 in which navies of 29 countries from across the globe had participated.

Indian sailors on Viraat aircraft carrier salute as president's yacht moves past them during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)

The Naval helicopters Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, Chetaks performed Search and Rescue missions even as the latest acquisition P- 8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft flew past the Presidential yacht.

A naval helicopter demonstrates a rescue operation in front of an Indian naval ship carrying President Pranab Mukherjee, during International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)

The Hawk and Mig- 29 K aircraft too displayed breathtaking maneuvers- displaying the skills of the Naval warriors to operate their fighter jets at a pressure six times the gravitational force.

Indian sailors on Viraat aircraft carrier salute as president's yacht moves past them during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)

Sailors on board the vessels saluted the Presidential yacht and waved their berrets in a gesture to acknowledge the reviewing by the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. (Source: AP)

Sailors take off their hats to salute as the presidential yacht passes them during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)

A navy helicopter shows a rescue operation during the final rehearsal of International Fleet review in Vishakapatnam, India, Thursday, February 4. (Source: AP)

A kilo class submarine is seen during the International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam. (Source: AP)