President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi aboard the INS Sumitra at IFR 2016, Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni are also seen.

President Pranab Mukherjee unveiled the IFR sculpture during the IFR 2016 in Visakhapatnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E.S.L. Narasimhan, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan are also seen.

Breathtaking aerobatics by a Catwalk Grumman biplane of the Scandinavian Airshow team over the Bay of Bengal

Indian Navy P-8I flanked by fighters

Four Sea Harriers in formation

A Chetak helicopter flying past Indian tricolours

Illuminated silhouettes of the naval ships in the Bay of Bengal

Participants from various navies across the world at the opening ceremony

Indian and foreign naval ships undertaking a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal

 IFR 2016 PHOTO GALLERY 

Naval fleet reviews are a long-standing tradition of the navies, the world over. Historically, such events were held to showcase the naval preparedness as a prelude to war or a demonstration of maritime warfighting capabilities to deter potential adversaries. This perspective on naval reviews, however, has changed substantially in the recent times and the off shoot of the traditional naval reviews has given birth to what has come to be known as the International Fleet Review (IFR). IFRs have come to stay as a congregation of warships of the friendly foreign navies to demonstrate solidarity, mutual trust and cooperation to safeguard the global commons. The IFR provides the host nation an opportunity to demonstrate its own maritime prowess to contribute to maintaining peace and harmony within the maritime domain of own interests.

While for the past several decades, the Indian Navy has deputed its warships to participate in IFRs organised by several maritime nations, the first of its own indigenous avatar was IFR 2001 held at Mumbai. Before that the Indian variant of naval reviews was designated as the President’s Fleet Review (PFR), with its first edition held in 1953. Since then ten PFRs have been organised and its last edition was held in 2011 again at Mumbai. The PFR aims at assuring the country of Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline. IFR 2016 is the eleventh edition of Fleet Reviews and the second edition of IFR.

President’s Review

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the fleet of warships of the Indian Navy and the participating foreign navies in the Visakhapatnam harbour on February 6, 2016. IFR 2016 displayed in the world view, the Indian Navy’s capabilities, discipline, valued principles of friendship across the oceans, mutual trust and commitment to safeguard the maritime heritage of mankind. Appropriately then, the IFR logo depicted the three operating dimensions of the Indian Navy, with a ship, submarine and an aircraft, as also the letters I-F-R formed an integral part of the logo. The Dolphin was chosen as the mascot depicting friendship across oceans and the theme for the IFR 2016 was ‘United through Oceans’.

After a 21-gun salute and ceremonial guard of honour, the President embarked INS Sumitra, an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel, designated as the ‘Presidential Yacht’. The President was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan. The President’s Yacht weaved through the 70 ships lined up on parade in Visakhapatnam harbour. A spectacular fly-past was conducted as a part of the static review of the fleet. Towards the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high speed steam past alongside the President’s Yacht.

In addition to 65 Indian naval warships and three Indian Navy submarines, the review also included 24 foreign ships, two ships from the Indian Coast Guard and three from Mercantile Marine. Several enthralling waterfront activities by sail boats, water skiing display and helicopter demonstrations added fervour to the power projection. Along the way, the President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of breathtaking fly-past by Naval Air Arm and a daring display by the elite Marine Commandos. The fly-past comprised 15 formations of 45 aircraft including two formations from the Indian Coast Guard. It also showcased the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy such as MiG-29K, long-range MR aircraft P-8I and AEW helicopter Kamov-31.

Presidential Address

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the IFR 2016 while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying our common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future. Presence of foreign countries in such large numbers has made this international event spectacular and truly reflects the spirit of this IFR; we are indeed ‘United through Oceans’. The President said that “the navies of the world have a unique role in promoting goodwill, nurturing peace and tranquillity of the oceans. Ships and personnel participating at this momentous fleet review are ambassadors of great nations that they represent.

“My special compliments to the Indian Navy, especially the Eastern Naval Command, for the meticulous planning and flawless conduct of today’s splendid Fleet Review. An event of such magnitude could be organised only by the involvement and support of the people.”

Prime Minister’s Address

A most colourful City Parade in which the participating navies along with few Naval Bands of foreign navies, IN troops, sea cadet corps, veterans, etc. took part. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who presided over the function said, “My profuse thanks to the men and women of the Indian Navy for their tireless dedication for making this Fleet Review a truly historic success. For me personally, witnessing the harmony among the best of international navies here has been a rewarding experience. Today it is our pleasure to welcome 50 foreign navies from every corner of the globe at India’s second International Fleet review—the first one on India’s East Coast. Your participation is a message of cooperation and friendship that we deeply cherish. On behalf of my countrymen, I thank you all for accepting our invitation and joining in this event with such spirit. The oceans and world’s waterways are global commons. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the concept of whole world as a family – is perhaps most vividly witnessed on the oceans of the planet that connect us all.

“We take pride in the fact that of all the Indian naval ships participating in this Fleet Review, at least 37 are ‘Made in India’ – a number that will surely rise in the coming years. An important part of India’s transformation is my vision of ‘Blue Economy’ in its widest sense. The Blue Chakra – or the wheel – in our National Flag, represents the potential of the Blue Economy. An essential part of this pursuit is the development of India’s coastal and island territories: but not just for tourism.

IFR Events

IFR activities were kick-started by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu paying homage to the martyrs of the War Memorial on February 4, 2016. Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Commanding Officers of visiting foreign naval ships laid wreaths at this War Memorial as a mark of respect to the fallen heroes.

The Maritime Exhibition on the theme ‘Innovation, Youth and Indigenisation’ was inaugurated on February 4 by Naidu at Andhra University Engineering College grounds.

A grand opening ceremony for the International Fleet Review 2016 was held at Command Stadium, INS Satavahana on February 5, 2016. Governor of Andhra Pradesh E.S.L. Narasimhan was the chief guest and Naidu graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The event was attended by various members of Parliament, State Ministers, Member of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council of Andhra Pradesh. In addition, members of foreign delegations and ships from 50 countries attended this mega event. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut made appearance as brand ambassadors of IFR.

International Maritime Conference

The International Maritime Conference with theme ‘Partnering Together for a Secure Maritime Future’ was held on February 7-8. Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd), Chairman, National Maritime Foundation (NMF), launched the conference with his opening remarks. Thereafter, the theme address was delivered by Admiral Dhowan. Manohar Parrikar delivered the keynote address at the conference.

Session I on ‘Importance of Ocean and Navies in Global Geo-Strategic Matrix’ was moderated by Admiral Madhvendra Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff. Lt General Dan Leaf (Retd), USA, spoke on ‘The Importance of Oceans and Navies in Geostrategic Mix’. Second speaker was Professor Ye Hailin of, China who spoke on ‘South China Sea Disputes: Perceptions and Misperceptions among the Players’. This was followed by a presentation on ‘No Way But “Hi” Way!’ by Vice Admiral Anup Singh (Retd), Indian Navy. Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant of, France made a presentation on ‘Maritime Security and Navies: The Future Challenges in the Indian Ocean’. A presentation on ‘Towards a New Maritime Strategy for Medium Powers: Defining the Challenges for the Medium Power Navy’ by Rear Admiral James Goldrick (Retd), Australia and this was followed by a presentation on ‘Maritime Cooperation, and Building Bridges between Maritime Neighbours and Partners’ by Professor Renfrew Christie, South Africa.

Session II on ‘Regional Perceptions and Approaches for Maritime Cooperative Engagement’ was moderated by Ambassador K.V. Bhagirath, Secretary General, Indian Ocean Rim Association. The first presentation on ‘Japan’s Security Role in the Indo-Pacific Region’ was made by Professor Eiichi Katahara, Japan. This was followed by a presentation on ‘Globalisation, International Liberalism and the Maritime Cooperation Nexus’ by Rear Admiral Raja Menon (Retd), Indian Navy. Next subject of presentation was ‘Cooperative Maritime Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Region’ by Professor Geoffrey Till, UK. First Admiral Amarullah Octavian, Indonesia spoke on ‘Indonesian Approach and Perspective on Asia’s Regional Maritime Cooperative Engagements’ and the last speaker, Professor Ataur Rahman, Bangladesh, spoke on ‘Building Partnerships in the Bay of Bengal: Opportunities and Challenges’.

Vice Admiral Satish Soni delivered the valedictory address which brought curtains down on the conference and was followed by the closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Dr Vijay Sakhuja, Director, NMF.

Passage Exercise

Finally, 54 ships which participated in IFR 2016 sailed out of Visakhapatnam harbour in the first ever Passage Exercise with combined participation of 20 foreign warships from 17 nations on February 9, 2016. As per old maritime tradition the visiting foreign ships are generally escorted to the open seas on their way home.

Passage Exercise emerged as a grand finale to IFR 2016 when 54 ships sailed out in two groups of 27 ships each. The first group was under the command of Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet, embarked on INS Vikramaditya and the second group under the command of Rear Admiral S.V. Bhokare, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet embarked on INS Viraat.

This made a grand spectacle conforming to the growing combat of the Indian Navy. This indeed augured very well to witness Indian Navy’s capability to operate two carrier battle groups as the true instrument of power projection.