President, CM Impressed By Prowess Of Indian Navy At IFR
The review also featured steam past by mobile columns of warships and submarines and fly past by naval aircraft.
Visakhapatnam: President Droupadi Murmu and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu watched the three dimensional prowess of the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review held at the anchorage, 22km off the Visakhapatnam shore, on Wednesday morning.
The excitement unfolded with the President’s arrival at the naval jetty, where she was received by Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.
The President, as supreme commander of defence forces, entered the presidential yacht INS Sumedha and led the presidential column. She reviewed 71 ships including 19 from various friendly foreign countries. The review also featured steam past by mobile columns of warships and submarines and fly past by naval aircraft.
India’s mighty ship INS Vikrant and sail training ship INS Taringini were the main attractions. Several enthralling activities such as the parade of sailing vessels, the search and rescue demonstration by helicopters and a display by marine commandos were part of the fleet review.
The President said the international fleet review reflected unity, trust and respect among nations for the maritime traditions. Ships with different flags and sailors from different countries exhibited the spirit of togetherness. She said this spirit of togetherness was well captured in the theme of this review: United Through Oceans.
“It is a positive message to the global community that commitment and resolve of this collective naval strength can overcome all challenges,’’ the President said.
Droupadi Murmu said India’s approach to international relations including the maritime domain was being guided by “our ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘the world is one family’.” This approach reflected the wisdom that global security and growth, sustainability and stability are built through partnerships.
“This spirit of partnership is the bedrock of an enduring global order. Therefore, India believes that a sound maritime order is based on collective responsibility and cooperative action among like-minded partners,’’ she said.
The President said units of the Indian Navy deployed in the region served as credible instruments of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges arising in these seas. The Indian Navy has often been the first responder in times of humanitarian crises and natural disasters, extending quick assistance with compassion and competence, she said.
The President praised the officers and sailors from friendly foreign navies. She said their presence in the fleet review further strengthened the bonds of trust and reaffirmed shared commitment to peace, stability and cooperation at sea.
