India's maritime power on full display at Presidential Fleet Review 2022

Visakhapatnam: India believes in security and growth for all in the region to focus on cooperative measures for sustainable use of oceans, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. He was speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review 2022 held at Visakhapatnam.

The President as Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India reviewed the Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam. With the theme '75 years in Service of the Nation', Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-art indigenously-built combat platforms during the 12th edition of the Fleet Review which was also conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence that is being celebrated as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

After a 21-gun salute and Ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked on the Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra, an indigenously-built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel designated as the Presidential yacht. The President was received by Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff.

The yacht sailed past 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, SCI, and MoES lined up in four columns at anchorage off Visakhapatnam, exhibiting the nation's maritime power in full display. A spectacular flypast was conducted as part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high-speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht.

As the presidential yacht passed between the review columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, manned by her ship's company saluted the President with traditional "Three Jais" in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance to the country and the Supreme Commander. The President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of a composite flypast by 55 aircraft, including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks, and MiG 29K.

Prez hails Navy's self-reliance, pandemic efforts

The President said a large part of global trade flows through the Indian Ocean region. A significant portion of our trade and energy needs are met through the oceans. Safety of the seas and of the maritime commons, therefore, remains a critical requirement. The Indian Navy's constant vigil, prompt response to incidents, and untiring efforts have been highly successful in this regard, he said.

Mr. Kovind noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Navy provided aid to friendly nations by supplying medicines and evacuating stranded Indian citizens and foreign nationals in different parts of the world under 'Mission SAGAR' and 'Samudra Setu'. He said that the prompt and effective deployment of the Indian Navy in times of crisis has underscored India's vision of being the 'Preferred Security Partner' and 'First Responder' in the Indian Ocean region.

Pointing to the historical importance of Visakhapatnam, the President said it has been an important port for centuries. Its strategic importance is underlined by the fact that the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is located in Vizag. He said that Vizag made a glorious contribution during the 1971 war. He recalled the heroic action of the Eastern Naval Command in the naval blockade of the then East Pakistan and the sinking of Pakistan's submarine 'Ghazi'. He said that that was a decisive blow to Pakistan. The 1971 war remains one of the most emphatic victories in our history, he added.

The President was happy to note that the Indian Navy is becoming increasingly self-reliant and has been at the forefront of the 'Make in India' initiative. He noted that about 70 per cent of the contents of several warships and submarines under construction in various public and private shipyards across the country are indigenous. He said that it is a matter of great pride that India has built nuclear submarines and soon will have its indigenously-built aircraft carrier 'Vikrant' joining the service. He added that the development of indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities is an impressive contribution to the making of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

In addition to Naval warships, ships from the Indian Coast Guard, SCI and MoES also participated in the Review. Several enthralling waterfront activities by Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft, and Water Para Jumps by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) left the guests mesmerised.

The Review was followed by the release of a special First Day Cover and a commemorative stamp by the President in the presence of Defence minister Rajnath Singh and minister of state for communication Devusinh J. Chauhan.