Embassy of India, Yangon, Myanmar

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE FOR INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW 2016-10 FEBRUARY, 2016 (2)

EMBASSY OF INDIA

YANGON

PRESS RELEASE FOR INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW 2016

The Indian Navy conducted the International Fleet Review (IFR-16) off Visakhapatnam from 04 to 08 Feb 2016. A Fleet Review is a traditional maritime practice wherein the Head of State periodically inspects the Naval Fleet. In India it is a practice to conduct a Fleet Review once in the five year term of the President. This year the Review was special in that it included participation not only by Indian warships but also by those from foreign countries. In all 22 warships from foreign navies were present amongst the 70 warships that were ceremonially inspected by the Honourable President of the Republic of India, H.E Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 06 Feb 16. A fly past by 45 naval aircraft was also undertaken during the Fleet Review.

The International Fleet Review 16 was able to bring together navies from around the globe and signified the common desire to promote peace, harmony and co-operation on the ‘global commons’, as the oceans are also referred to. In addition to the ships, 23 Heads of Navy were also present at Visakhapatnam with another 26 sending a delegation. In this manner, IFR 16 saw representation from 50 foreign navies from around the world.

V Adm Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy attended IFR 16 and had successful meetings with H.E Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the President of the Republic of India, H.E Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minster of the Republic of India, important Cabinet ministers and Adm RK Dhowan, Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy. UMS King Aung Zeya was also present for the Review with the offices and men taking active part in all activities, including excursions to New Delhi and Bodh Gaya. The presence of the marching contingent from Myanmar Navy that participated in the City Parade on 07 Feb 16 was very well appreciated by the Prime Minister of India and other people that witnessed the event.

Besides the Review by the President, several other activities like International Maritime Seminar, International Maritime Conference, Cultural Show, International City Parade, International Band Concert and Operational Demonstration were conducted from 04 to 08 Feb 16.

With its theme of “United Through Oceans”, IFR 16 was indeed an event that was able to unite navies from around the world on the East coast of India. Interaction amongst the ships and crews present at Visakhapatnam is bound to promote understanding and knowledge of each other and increase goodwill, mutual understanding and confidence as the navies undertake operations at sea.

February 10, 2016

The Theme of IFR 16

ifr