Article Posted on : - Oct 04, 2013

MELBOURNE (PTI): Warships from 17 nations, including India, today descended at the Sydney Harbour to mark the 100 years since Royal Australian Navy fleet first entered the waterways.

Warships around the globe have sailed to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR), an event to celebrate the centenary.

According to media reports, over 40warshipswould be part of the event.

"It is magnificent. The harbour looks tremendous, the pleasure craft are out," said New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell, who was among those on board the HMAS Sydney, part of the fleet that sailed into Sydney on this day a century ago.

"I'm sure we'll see more on Saturday, but this is a great event for Sydney, a great focus worldwide on Sydney and what a way to start it off," he said.

"The International Fleet Review marks a turning point in the Navy's history," head of the Australian Navy, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, said.

From India, it is the stealth frigate INS Sahyadri which is part of the event.

A Shivalik-class multi-role frigate, INS Sahyadri will participate in various exercises scheduled by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and showcase India's indigenous capabilities in building frontline warships.

The warship, commissioned in July last year, has a team of 24 officers and 250 sailors onboard.

INS Sahyadri's participation in the IFR will serve to reinforce naval ties and contribute towards enhancing interoperability with the RAN and other participating navies, said an official statement.

The overall aim of the visit is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between India and Australia, who are pursuing a common destiny of peace and prosperity.