The independence and prosperity of nations and the peace and tranquillity of the world hinges upon the peace and security of the seas and the oceans

President Narayanan

The ceremony lasted nearly two hours as the presidential yacht, flanked by two mine-sweepers, inspected about 70 colourfully dressed warships and submarines from 20 countries.

A fly-past by Indian Air Force fighter jets and helicopters was one of the highlights of the event, the biggest extravaganza ever organised by the Indian Navy.

The last leg of the review was a salute from a mobile column of eight Indian warships which steamed past the presidential ship.

Security

The international fleet review coincides with celebrations of the Indian Republic turning 50 and is being attended by naval chiefs of 11 countries, including Russia, the UK, South Africa and Australia.

India wants to show it is a force to reckon with

President Narayanan said security at sea and on the oceans was essential for world peace.

"It is today an indisputable fact that the independence and prosperity of nations and the peace and tranquillity of the world hinges upon the peace and security of the seas and the oceans.

"The oceans no longer divide the world, but unite it. This international fleet review is a magnificent demonstration by the navies of the world to build bridges of friendship among nations and to maintain peace and tranquillity on the seas."

Building bridges

The review has been organised by the Navy's western command, headed by Vice-Admiral Madhvendra Singh.

"The whole idea of having a review is to gather navies from various countries and, as you know, the theme of this entire review is bridges of friendship," he said.

"The aim is to build bridges of friendship across the ocean, get nations together through their navies and through the medium of the ocean."

The fleet's review, however, was not only about pomp and splendour.

Some observers see the five-day celebrations, which will conclude on Sunday with a naval parade, as a signal by the Indian Navy that it is now a force to reckon with, at least in the Asia Pacific region.

There is also a diplomatic dimension to the event as suggested by its theme line: the world is a family and the seas make it one.