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At sea, Bombay... welcome to navy's big bash!

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The Bombay coast will witness a rare spectacle in the second week of February -- namely, the Indian navy's first international fleet review.

Featuring over 70 ships, many of them foreign, which will line up at sea opposite the Gateway of India, it would comprise an international parade at the Marine Drive involving naval marching contingents, military bands, several water-borne activities and a flypast of over 60 aircraft.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sushil Kumar, who returned to duty this week after a heart operation, said, "It would be an opportunity to showcase India's maritime potential."

The fleet review, with the theme 'Bridges of Friendship', would also host an international seminar on maritime diplomacy. Admiral Kumar said the aim would be to explore the possibility of establishing stability and harmony, and improving relations with other navies.

Commander-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Madhevendra Singh said the exercise would be the first true international review "though we have had President's fleet reviews in the past."

He said the navy chief has written to the chiefs of naval staff across the world inviting them for the exercise.

Admiral Kumar said there was a "spontaneous response", and countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France and South Africa have already intimated that they would participate. He said the Indian navy expects about 30 to 40 foreign ships, besides an equal number of delegations form those navies which cannot send ships.

A conservative estimate puts the number of foreign ships expected at about 20. Vice Admiral Singh said, "70 ships will line up opposite the Gateway of India for the President's inspection".

He said the review harbour opposite the Gateway can accommodate only 70 ships, so the number of Indian ships participating would depend on the number of foreign ships.

The navy also hopes to present a refurbished I N S Viraat, India's only aircraft carrier, which is presently undergoing refitting at the Cochin shipyard, for a show from February 15 to 18 next year.

The foreign ships would arrive in Bombay by the evening of February 14 and take up positions the next day. The President would carry out the inspection from an Indian ship. Those ships which cannot be accommodated in the line-up would pass in front of him.

On February 16, a seminar on maritime diplomacy would be held with several international and Indian speakers.

On February 17, the President's review proper would be held. In the evening the naval bands from various ships would play together as sun goes down.

Admiral Singh said on February 18 an international parade featuring marching contingents of the various navies will take place between Nariman Point and Chowpatti. The parade will also witnesses a flypast, and several exercises at sea.

"Nariman point is one of the largest natural galleries, and it would be possible for thousands to witness it," he said.

On February 19, the ships will begin leaving Bombay.

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