Vizag set to host IFR 2026 today
By G.Janardhana Rao
Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam is all set to host International Fleet Review 2026. Fleet Review is an assembly of ships at a pre-designated place for the purpose of paying respects to the sovereign of a nation and to display their commitment to defend the nation's maritime interests.
The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wioo review the fleet. Fleet Reviews in India have seen participation by ships, submarines, and aircraft to emphasise the three dimensional nature of the Indian Navy. Ships of the other government agencies such as the Coast Guard, government research vessels, and Indian owned (flagged) merchant ships
have also joined in paying respects to the President.
The first Indian Fleet Review was in the 18th Century by the powerful Maratha Fleet consisting of 'Gurabs' and 'Gallivats' under the renowned Sarkhel (Grand Admiral) Kanhoji Angre at the coastal fortress of Ratnagiri.
.jpg)
Independent India has witnessed 12 Fleet Reviews till now with the last one held on February 21, 2022. This includes the first ever International Fleet Review in 2001, which saw large participation from foreign and Indian ships. The 13th review, which is the third International Fleet Review hosted by India, will be a mega event drawing participation from across the globe, at Visakhapatnam.
During the Review, the President is received by a Guard of Honour prior to embarking the Presidential Yacht. This is followed by a 21 Gun Salute, after which the President, on board the Presidential Yacht, steams past the fleet of anchored ships from the various Commands of the Indian Navy along with ships of the Indian Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. In addition to the anchored ships, a mobile column of warships, and submarines, steam past the Presidential column, offering similar salutations.
IFR-26 will also witness warships, sail ships and delegations from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) joining the ceremony and the accompanying festivities.
The extravaganza planned for IFR-26 includes Parade of Sails, Air Power Demo, illumination of anchored ships off RK Beach, an International City Parade, an International Maritime Seminar, multi-cultural performances, and city tours among other events.
Indian Navy conducted the final rehearsal for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, marking the final preparatory milestone ahead of the Presidential Fleet Review scheduled for Wednesday.
The Full Dress Rehearsal was reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The rehearsal involved ships and submarines of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, along with warships from friendly foreign countries, positioned in designated formations at anchorage.
President of India Droupadi Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, review the assembled fleet from the Presidential Yacht, INS Sumedha.
The International Fleet Review will be telecast live on Doordarshan television channels (DD National and DD Vijayawada). The events will also be streamed live on the Indian Navy's official social media platforms- Youtube (@IndianNavyOfficial) and Facebook (@IndianNavy), enabling audiences in
India and abroad to witness the proceedings.
|
