Indian Navy Ships Reach China Port To Take Part In International Fleet Review

Apr 21, 2019

Fleet Tanker INS Shekti

BEIJING: Indian Navy destroyer ‘INS Kolkata’ and energy vessel ‘INS Shakti’ have arrived at China’s Qingdao port to participate in an International Fleet Review. Surprisingly, Pakistan has decided not to take part in the review.

Over the next few days, China plans to make a big show of its newly developed naval capabilities, which include nuclear submarines and destroyers, at a parade marking 70 years of its navy’s founding.

INS Kolkata, which is commanded by Captain Aditya Hara, is equipped with the latest weapons, including supersonic Brahmos missiles and sensors. It is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple threats from the air, sea and underwater. Supporting it with supply of fuel, provisions and munitions is INS Shakti, which is commanded by Captain Sriram Amur.

Ten countries — including India, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — will deploy 20 vessels to join the naval parade. China is expected to parade 32 vessels and 39 aircraft as part of its plan to flex naval muscle.

The Chinese navy is the main beneficiary of president Xi Jinping’s military modernisation programme, which has seen huge investments in areas like aircraft carriers and stealth jets as China enhances its influence over the South China Sea and makes preparations for challenging the self-run Taiwan, which it regards as its own territory.

Pakistan, which is a major buyer of China-made military equipment, has decided not to send its ships to the event. It has not provided any explanation for the decision. China is currently building four most-advanced naval frigates for Pakistan. This is what makes its absence at the fleet review somewhat mysterious.

The Chinese president is expected to be present at the review although there is no confirmation about it yet.

Courtesy: TOI