Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan today said that 52 countries have confirmed their participation in the prestigious International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held here from February 4 to 8.
Addressing the media after commissioning the indigenously built stealth anti-submarine warfare Covertte INS Kadmatt at Naval dockyard here, he said the IFR will strengthen the relations between friendly countries.
This will be the second international fleet review to be held at east coast Visakhapatnam. The first international fleet review was organised at Mumbai in 2001.
Various participating navies will exhibit their talent and skills during the exercises. Nearly 24 warships from foreign countries and 34 foreign naval chiefs will participate in the IFR.
To a question, Admiral Dhowan said Pakistan is not participating in the IFR.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and a host of delegates from the country would take part in the review.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate a maritime exhibition, one of the biggest events of its kind, which will showcase various entrepreneurs in the maritime domain.
President Mukherjee would review the fleet on February 6, while the Defence Minister would inaugurate the two-day international maritime conference on the theme 'partnering together for a secure maritime future', on February 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address a gathering at the event and also release a book on the maritime heritage of India.
