VISAKHAPATNAM: In a clear display of its maritime might on the eastern seaboard, the Indian Navy on Thursday kickstarted the International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR-16) celebrations here. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid a wreath at the ‘Victory at Sea’ war memorial at RK Beach and paid homage to the martyrs marking the commencement of the celebrations on Thursday evening.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan, Eastern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Satish Soni along with the commanding officers of visiting foreign naval ships participating in the IFR-16, also paid respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Navy. The naval delegations from Australia, Bangladesh, Chili, France, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Vietnam, the UK, Thailand, Switzerland, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Spain, Singapore, Seychelles, Russia and Oman were among the visiting nations who paid their respects.
Later in the evening, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Maritime Exhibition (MAREX) and the IFR Village at Andhra University Engineering College.
On the occasion, Naidu said that the state government would extend all support for establishment of naval armament manufacturing industries in both public and private sectors. He commended the services of the Indian Navy and thanked them in organising the IFR which would play a large role in turning Vizag into Eastern Gateway of India.
Akshay, Kangana to be Present
Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chandrababu Naidu will participate in the formal opening ceremony of the IFR 2016 at INS Satavahana Command Stadium in the naval headquarters here on Friday. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut who are brand ambassadors of the event, are expected to make an appearance. About 11,000 guests from 50 nations are likely to take part in the function.