Fleet review highlights Naval unity across globe: Dhowan

The 2016 IFR edition has navies from every corner of the world: Australia, South America (Brazil, Argentina and Chile), North America (the USA and Canada), Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Namibia), and Europe (France, Portugal, Spain and the UK).

“The presence of over 50 nations at IFR emphasises the significance for such events which provide a platform for working towards this direction”, he added. “With the Indian Ocean Regional emerging as the world’s center of gravity, any impediment to the free flow of oil or trade will have an impact not just on the economies of the region but the economy of the entire world”, Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan told ET in an exclusive chat.

India is keen on indigenisation as part of which around 46 ships and submarines are under construction in India. He felt that this would lead to larger combatants operating in ecologically sensitive zones by switching to the green fuel.

“The review will have a combination of ships from Indian Navy as well as frontline Navies from across the globe”. About 60 aircraft are also part of the IFR. The Obama administration has sent two US combat vessels carrying guided missiles in a show of strength to participate in India’s 2016 Fleet Review Exercise, the US Navy announced in a news release, APA reports quoting Sputnik.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected on the weekend to inspect the ships taking part off the port of Visakhapatnam, only the second global review held by India and running over five days. A Fleet Review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of Naval warships by the President of a country. In the works for over a year, the IFR was one of the first initiatives cleared by the Modi government after it took over.

The International Fleet Review (IFR) can change the dynamics in the Indian Ocean, Indian Navy chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan said on Friday, stressing on the need for global naval collaboration to safeguard international waters. Naval personnel standing on anchored ships on both sides of INS Sumitra will salute the Indian President in the traditional manner.