Visakhapatnam Hosts Grand International Fleet Review with 19 Foreign Warships
Visakhapatnam turned into a grand maritime stage as the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, witnessed the International Fleet Review (IFR), reaffirming India’s commitment to cooperative maritime security.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the Fleet Review reflects “unity, trust and respect among nations for maritime traditions,” with ships flying different flags yet embodying a shared spirit of togetherness. Referring to the theme “United Through Oceans,” she described it as a positive message to the global community that collective resolve and naval strength can overcome common challenges.
She emphasised that India’s approach to international relations, including the maritime domain, is guided by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. “India believes that a sound maritime order is based on collective responsibility and cooperative action among like-minded partners,” she stated, adding that the Fleet Review advances India’s vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Over 70 Platforms, 19 Foreign Warships Participate
Indian Navy spokesperson Captain Vivek Madhwal said this was the third International Fleet Review conducted in India, with the first two editions having been conducted in 2001 and 2016. More than 70 platforms took part, including 19 ships from 18 foreign countries, along with vessels from the Indian Coast Guard and the Shipping Corporation of India.
“This year marks the maiden participation of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in India’s fleet review,” he said. An indigenously built Kalvari-class submarine featured in the mobile column, alongside a large number of Indian-designed and constructed destroyers, frigates, anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, survey ships, and diving support vessels. A flypast showcased naval aviation capabilities, including fighter aircraft, trainers, helicopters, and long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Captain Madhwal added that Visakhapatnam is simultaneously hosting three major events—the International Fleet Review, the multinational naval exercise MILAN, and the Conclave of Chiefs under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium framework. Nearly 72 delegations are participating, underlining the broad acceptance of the platform for discussing maritime security in the global commons and ensuring safe sea lanes.
Global Participation Reflects Maritime Camaraderie
Warships from across regions lined up for the review. Among them were Seychelles Coast Guard Ship SCGS Zoroaster, built by GRSE Kolkata, Indonesia’s KRI Bung Tomo (357), Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MCGS Huravee, Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Krabi, Oman’s RNOV Sadh and Iran’s IRIS Dena.
The Republic of Korea Navy was represented by ROKS Gang Gam Chan, a Chungmugong Yi Sun-shin-class destroyer, while Australia deployed HMAS Warramunga and Japan sent JS Yudachi. Myanmar’s UMS King Aung Zeya (F11), Vietnam People’s Navy Ship 17, and the Philippine Navy’s PN Miguel Malvar were also present.
The UAE’s UAES Al Emarat, Malaysia’s KD Indera Shakti, South Africa’s SAS Amatola, Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Somudra Avijan, Russia’s Marshal Shaposhnikov, and Sri Lanka Navy’s SLNS Nandimithra and SLNS Sagara further highlighted the breadth of participation.
