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Navy to host global fleet review at Mumbai

Our Bureau

CHENNAI, Dec. 14

THE Indian Navy, for the first time, will host the International Fleet Review 2001 (IFR), from February 15 to 20, in Mumbai.

The event will attract warships from 22 maritime nations, including the US, Russia, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Poland, Thailand and Israel, Commodore Arvind Bali, Representative, Western Naval Command, told newspersons here on Thursday.

Four other countries -- China, Belgium, South Korea and New Zealand -- are expected to confirm their participation. Further, 14 countries have confirmed sending their Naval Chiefs and delegates. ``The Centre did not extend an invitation to Pakistan,'' he told newspersons.

He said the objective of the event was to enhance military-to-military exchanges with friendly navies, and to foster a spirit of friendship and cooperation, he said, adding that the theme of the event would be `Bridges of Friendship'.

A series of events are planned in the five-day show. At its core will be a ceremonial review of the assembled fleet by the President, he said, adding that it was traditional for the Supreme Commander to review the fleet once in his tenure.

A maritime seminar, `Maritime Power - Challenges in the 21st Century' will be held. The keynote address will be delivered by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, while the closing address will be delivered by the External Affairs Minister, Mr Jaswa nt Singh.

On Day three, the IFR will be held in Mumbai harbour, off the Gateway of India, with the President of India as the chief guest. A total of 80 ships, including around 25 foreign warships, will participate in the even. They would be dressed overall and man ned, he said.

On February 18, an international city parade would be conducted on Marine Drive, with the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee participating in the show, he said. ``Our aim is to pitch for a world-class event and achieve worldwide publicity and viewer ship.''