Article Posted on : - Feb 08, 2016

An indigenously built Extra Fast Attack Craft of the Indian navy, based on the design of Israeli Super Dvora Mk II, is seen during the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. A PTI Photo.

VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): Noting the role of unity among the Naval countries worldwide, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan has said participation of 50 foreign countries in the International Fleet Review (IFR) is an example of mutual friendship and co-operation.

This is the second IFR as the last one was conducted in January 2001 in Mumbai with participation from 29 countries.

Dhowan, in his address to mediapersons, on Friday noted the role of the friendly Naval countries and asserted it will help to strengthen the co-operation among them.

"With the co-operation of the friendly Naval countries, we can strengthen the security and safety of the Oceans," Dhowan said.

"International Fleet Reviews are maritime culture to build co-operation and relations between the Navies of the world over. We may be separated geographically, but (are) certainly untied through the oceans," he said.

This review allows the host nation an occasion to display its maritime capabilities and the bridges of friendship it has built with other maritime nations, he said adding, it aims at assuring the country of the Indian Navy's preparedness, high morale and discipline.

Welcoming the visiting Vice-Admirals and Commanders who took part in the IFR, Admiral Dhowan said the participation of 50 foreign countries is the example of the friendship and co-operation among the Navies of the world.

Hundred ships, including 71 Indian ships, 24 foreign ones and others from the Coast Guard, would take part in the event.

The Navy Chief said President Pranab Mukherjee would on Saturday embark on the presidential yacht INS 'Sumitra' after inspecting the Guard of Honour, which would be presented by 150 Navy personnel.

Admiral Dhowan said the Indian Navy has arranged various events, such as fly-past by helicopters including MiG-29K, advanced jet trainer, hawks, surveillance aircraft P8I, besides live demonstrations by Navy personnel, for IFR 2016.

On Sunday, a two-day International Maritime Conference would be inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the theme 'Partnering together for a secure maritime future', he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the gathering and also release a book on the maritime heritage of India, he said.

He pointed out that the Indian Navy's capabilities and strength had increased in the last 15 years, after the IFR in Mumbai in 2001.

Speaking on the indigenisation and innovation of the Indian Navy, Dhowan said the Navy has chalked out a plan with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to build ships in the country.

At present, 46 ships and submarines are under construction at various private sector and public sector shipyards in the country, he apprised.

He said in future, the Indian Navy would strive to build all the ships indigenously and achieve self-reliance.

He thanked the Andhra Pradesh government and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Visakhapatnam district administration, for extending full support and co-operation to conduct the event.

"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had inaugurated the maritime exhibition at Andhra University Engineering College ground, in which various Indian industries and organizations set up an array of 74 stalls showcasing the self-reliance of the Navy," Dhowan said.

A thematic light and sound show depicting the roles of the Indian Navy both in war and peace time was the salient feature of the exhibition, he said.

He said an IFR village is located close to the maritime exhibition, which consists of stalls put up by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private entities depicting innovation, besides 100 craft stalls.