International Fleet Review - 2016

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1. The Hon’ble President of India being the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, once in his/her term, reviews the Indian Naval (IN) Fleet as part of the ‘President’s Fleet Review’ (PFR). This review aims at assuring the country of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high moral and discipline.

2. Many leading nations of the world use the opportunity provided by the Fleet Review to enhance mutual trust and confidence with their maritime neighbours and partners by inviting their ships to participate in the review. Normally called ‘International Fleet Review’ (IFR), this event then provides the host nation an occasion to display its own naval prowess and the bridges of friendship and trust it has built with other maritime nations. The first IFR was conducted in January 2001, off Mumbai with participation from 29 countries. This earned the country widespread appreciation and goodwill.

International Fleet Review - 2016

3. Owing to the many military-diplomatic benefits it accrues to the nation, the Indian Navy conducted the second edition from 04 – 08 February 16, off Visakhapatnam. Given the stature of India in the comity of nations and the friendship that the IN has garnered with maritime powers of the globe, the scale of the event was scaled-up considerably.

4. 48 navies (including India) participated in IFR-16 and were represented by 23 Chiefs of Navies, 24 foreign warships and 25 Heads of Delegations. The events conducted as part of IFR-16 are enumerated in the succeeding paragraphs.

5. Wreath Laying Ceremony. On 04 February 16, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the 1971 War Memorial. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Commanding Officers of participating ships and Foreign Service Attachés attended the ceremony.

6. Maritime Exhibition and IFR Village. Post the Wreath Laying Ceremony, a Maritime Exhibition with the theme Make in India showcasing Indigenization and Innovation, Green initiatives and the youth of India was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. An IFR Village showcasing handicrafts and cuisine of India was also co-located with nearly 100 stalls. This was undertaken under the aegis of Ministry of Culture/ South Central Zonal Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur.

7. Opening Ceremony. On 05 February 16, for a gala opening ceremony showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India, the Hon’ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh was the Chief Guest.

8. Fleet Review. The Hon’ble President of India, reviewed the International Fleet off Visakhapatnam on 06 February 16. An impressive 100 ships including 24 foreign, two from the Indian Coast Guard, two from Shipping Corporation of India and one Ocean Research Vessel were on parade. A flypast with 45 aircraft of the Indian Navy was also part of the Review. The Guests of Honour included the Hon’ble Prime Minster, Chief Justice of India, Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Mantri and the Raksha Rajya Mantri.

9. Indian Naval Band Concert. The Hon’ble President was the chief guest for the Naval Orchestra conducted in the evening hours of 06 Feb 16. The Guests of Honour included the Hon’ble Prime Minster, Chief Justice of India, Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Mantri and the Raksha Rajya Mantri.

10. Presidential Banquet. On completion of the Band Concert, guests proceeded to the Eastern Naval Command Officers Mess for the Banquet hosted in honour of the Hon’ble President of India.

11. International Maritime Conference. An international Maritime Conference held over two days was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 07 February 16. The conference, with the theme Partnering Together for a Secure Maritime Future, saw exchange of views with 12 speakers from different parts of the globe putting forth their viewpoints.

12. International City Parade and Operational Demonstration. On 07 February 16, the Indian Navy put on display her maritime prowess through an Operational Demonstration. This was followed by an International City Parade. The lead platoon of the parade comprised cadets from NCC carrying flags of all 48 participating navies. These cadets were dressed in Khadi Textile. The other marching platoons included personnel from all participating ships, Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, State Police, NCC and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC). In addition, four tableaus with the theme Make in India were paraded and the cadets of the Sea Cadet Corps undertook a Hornpipe dance. The show concluded with a gala fireworks display.

13. Closing Ceremony. A Closing Ceremony which included a Joint Band Concert with six international Military Bands participating was held on 08 February 16. The event was the grand finale for a successful International Fleet Review and an occasion to thank friends from foreign navies for having participated in the event.