President inspects naval warships

Vishakhapatnam: International Fleet Review (IFR) of the Indian Navy was held in Vishakhapatnam on Saturday morning.

President Pranab Mukherjee was given 21-gun salute and the ceremonial Guard of Honour by 150 Navy personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu were also present on the occasion.

The Naval Fleet review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of the Naval Warships by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces – the President. The last International Fleet Review held off Mumbai coast in 2001, was a hugely acclaimed event.

Since then, the President has also reviewed the Indian Naval Fleet in 2006 and 2011. (ANI)