Forty-seven countries have confirmed their participation in the "prestigious" International Fleet Review to be held here from February 4 to 8, a senior Navy official said today.
"47 countries have confirmed their participation. The Indian Navy has extended invitations to 89 countries and response from 26 countries was pending as of now," Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding -in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) told reporters on board INS Sahyadri.
He said President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parikar and a host of delegates along with 25 chief of the Navies and 32 delegations from foreign countries will take part in the review.
"Mukherjee would review the fleet on February 6. INS Sumitra, an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel would be the Presidential Yacht and lead the President Column," he said.
"During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the President Yacht," the Flag Officer added.
However, the events will commence on February 4 with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laying a wreath at the War Memorial at Rama Krishna beach here in remembrance of the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Naidu also will also inaugurate the maritime exhibition, which will showcase various entrepreneurs in the maritime domain.
Soni said on February 7 a two-day 'International
Maritime Conference' would be inaugurated by Parikkar on the theme 'partnering together for a secure maritime future'.
"On the same evening, there will be operational demonstration followed by 'International City Parade' which would include marching contingents and bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard," he said.
According to the officer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the gathering and also release a book on the maritime heritage of India.
Soni further said cultural visits are planned for foreign visitors on February 4,5 and 8 to New Delhi, Agra, and Bodhgaya in Bihar.
The Flag Officer said IFR activities on February 8 with a joint international band concert at the Naval officers institute and a closing ceremony.
