IFR will foster ties: Navy chief

IFR will foster ties: Navy chief
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Highlights

The International Fleet Review being held here will foster new friendship and strengthen the ties among the littoral countries, said Chief of Naval staff Admiral R K Dhowan while addressing a press conference here on Friday.

  • Says India can strengthen the security and safety of the oceans for smooth flow of maritime trade
  • Claims participation of 50 foreign countries is an example of the friendship and cooperation among the navies

Visakhapatnam: The International Fleet Review being held here will foster new friendship and strengthen the ties among the littoral countries, said Chief of Naval staff Admiral R K Dhowan while addressing a press conference here on Friday.

Dhowan said with the cooperation of the friendly naval countries, India can strengthen the security and safety of the oceans for smooth flow of maritime trade. “International Fleet Reviews are maritime culture to build cooperation and relations between the navies of the world over. We may be separated geographically but certainly united through the oceans,” he said.

The International Fleet Review allows the host nation an occasion to display its maritime capabilities to other maritime nations, he added. Welcoming the visiting Chiefs of Naval staff, Vice-Admirals and Commanders who took part in the IFR, Dhowan said the participation of 50 foreign countries is the example of the friendship and cooperation between the navies.

Asked specific reason for selecting Visakhapatnam for the fleet review, the navy chief said Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world and that makes it easy for friendly neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka to participate.

The navy chief said 95 ships are taking part in the review and of them, 71are Indian ships and 24 foreign. Merchant vessels and ships from coast guard and services are also taking part. Answering a question on indigenisation, Dhowan said Indian navy had chalked out a perspective plan with the DRDO for the innovation and indigenisation to build ships within the country.

At present, 46 ships and submarines are being built indigenously at various private and public sector shipyards across the country. In future, India will build all ships indigenously to achieve self-reliance, Dhowan said, adding that Indian navy's capabilities and strength had increased after International Fleet Review held in Mumbai in 2001. Presidential yacht Sumitra would review the fleet of participating Indian and foreign ships which will be anchored in six columns.

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