AMN /
President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday the fluttering pennants and flags on the dressing lines, happy and proud men in white manning their ships are indeed heartwarming.
He said that he was privileged to attend and review the imposing international parade of ships in Visakhapatnam for the first International Fleet Review on the East Coast of India Saturday morning.
The President said IFR 2016, while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe on to the Indian shores, signifying a common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future.
He said the Indian Navy, accordingly, has re-aligned its maritime strategy, to reflect the changes in the evolving global environment, and has established a credible record of cooperative initiatives to promote stability of the oceans, and played a central role in ensuring safety of the vital sea lines of communication, across the Indian Ocean.
He thanked all naval ships and delegations assembled for the Fleet Review to mark the historic occasion. About 50 friendly navies have sailed across oceans sending their ships and delegations to participate in the IFR 2016 off Visakhapatnam coast.
The Eastern Naval Command has raised a toast in honour of the President tonight to be attended by a host of dignitaries including from the Central and State government, visiting Chiefs’ of foreign navies / Heads of Delegations, and Indian and foreign participants of the Fleet Review.