India is proud to be hosting the International Fleet Review, which is a "big opportunity" for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.
"It is a matter of pride that India is hosting a big event in the first week of February. The whole world is coming as a guest, and our navy is preparing for it," Modi said in his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.
He noted that warships and naval ships of several countries were assembling off Visakhapatnam for the review.
"This is an attempt to establish a consonance between our military power and the military powers of the world. This is a joint exercise... a big opportunity," he said.
Modi called upon the people to support the programme, observing that India has a rich maritime history.
"Land boundaries divide us, but the water, the ocean, unites us," he said.
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At least 50 navies are participating in the International Fleet Review, one of the biggest events of its kind ever held in India.
There will be 24 foreign navy ships and 25 chiefs of navies attending the event.