Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the banquet hosted in his honour by the Chief of Naval Staff



Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the banquet hosted in his honour by the Chief of Naval Staff


It is a singular honour and a rare privilege for me to address this gathering, celebrating a momentous International Fleet Review. Today’s ensemble of distinguished government officials, naval officers and dignitaries from 50 countries across the globe is indicative of the inherent desire in each one of us to unite and work together for global peace and the common good of humanity. 


India has from the ancient times been a seafaring nation ever since Indus Valley had trade and cultural links with other countries of the world. Our seafarers have carried the message of peace to far corners of the world for several centuries. History has shown us that India’s trade and commerce, and its very existence as an independent nation depends upon the safe and secure seas around it. Indeed, it is today an indisputable fact that the independence and prosperity of all nations, and the peace and tranquility of the world, hinge upon the security and stability of the seas and the oceans. The concept of indivisible seas is today a political, economic and strategic reality. Economic progress of nations is bridged to safe seas, free for all to use. Maintaining stability of oceans is the shared responsibility of all nations and it is incumbent on each one of us to synergise our efforts for the common benefit of the global community and to secure a better and more prosperous future for generations to come.

The emerging maritime security challenges, across the oceans of the world, have magnified the responsibilities of navies. The seemingly vast stretches of water are our common economic development highways connecting distant lands with bonds of friendship. In order to preserve and secure our shared global highways, and to maintain good order at sea, India, and in particular the Indian Navy, has always pro-actively engaged like-minded maritime nations. Presence of your warships, personnel and delegations at this International Fleet Review aptly reflects and carries forward our endeavours to highlight that we are “United through Oceans”. IFR 2016 beckons nations across the world, to join us in our quest to promote safety, security and stability across the oceans of the world.

I once again thank all those who have joined us with their magnificent ships, distinguished delegations, and made this event a resounding success. I am confident that IFR 2016, and all associated events, will enable each one of us to further cement our bonds of friendship, and build on it to promote goodwill across the oceans.

The memories of this magnificent day spent amongst some of the finest professionals in white uniform from across the globe, seeing flags of several nations flutter over the serene waters of the Bay of Bengal, majestic ships, submarines and aircraft lined up in precise symmetry and manoeuvring in perfect harmony, the symphony at the Band Concert, and this gala evening, will stay with me for several years to come. It appeared as if the entire universe had transformed to proclaim the central message of IFR 2016, that we are all ‘United through Oceans’. I am certain that all our guests will carry fond memories from their stay here at Visakhapatnam and will cherish their participation in IFR 2016.

My congratulations to the Indian Navy for having conceived this International Fleet Review, and then making this majestic event take shape. The grand conduct of today’s International Fleet Review is a testimony to the professionalism and skills of our men and women in whites, and the astute vision of Navy’s leadership. I compliment all those who have worked tirelessly for several months, planning and executing this event to perfection.

I wish everyone present here fair winds, following seas, and success in their future endeavours.

Thank You.

Jai Hind! 
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Maintaining stability of Oceans is the shared responsibility of all Nations, says President


The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan hosted a banquet in honour of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee this evening (February 6, 2016) at Visakhapatnam.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is today an indisputable fact that the independence and prosperity of all nations, and the peace and tranquility of the world, hinge upon the security and stability of the seas and the oceans. The concept of indivisible seas is today a political, economic and strategic reality. Economic progress of nations is bridged to safe seas, free for all to use. Maintaining stability of oceans is the shared responsibility of all nations and it is incumbent on them to synergise their efforts for the common benefit of the global community and to secure a better and more prosperous future for generations to come.

The President said that International Fleet Review-2016 beckons nations across the world, to join in their quest to promote safety, security and stability across the oceans of the world. He was confident that IFR 2016, and all associated events, would enable them to further cement their bonds of friendship, and build on it to promote goodwill across the oceans.

The President congratulated the Indian Navy for having conceived the International Fleet Review - 2016, and then making this majestic event take shape. He said that the grand conduct of today’s International Fleet Review is a testimony to the professionalism and skills of our men and women in whites, and the astute vision of Navy’s leadership. 
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President of India’s Message on the Eve of National Day of Grenada 
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Grenada on the eve of their National Day (February 7, 2016).

In a message to Her Excellency Dr. Cecile La Grenade, the Governor General of Grenada, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of Grenada on the occasion of your National Day.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the relations between our two countries continue to be marked by warmth and cordiality. Our cooperation on issues of common concern in international fora is an important element in our partnership and we look forward to working with you to further enhance this. I am also confident that our bilateral relations will strengthen and deepen in the years to come.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your personal well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Grenada”.
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Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at International Fleet Review 2016 - 06 Feb 2016 at Visakhapatnam 
It is indeed a privilege for me to have the splendid sight of majestic warships anchored in these waters of Bay of Bengal. The fluttering pennants and flags on the dressing lines, happy and proud men in white manning their ships is indeed heartwarming. I am privileged to be here today with all of you and review this imposing international parade of ships. 50 friendly navies have sailed across oceans and sent naval ships and/or delegations to participate in the first International Fleet Review on the East Coast of India at Visakhapatnam. On behalf of the Government, and the people of India, I extend a very warm welcome to all our foreign guests and thank you for honouring the invitation of our Indian Navy.

The navies world over have conducted Fleet Reviews to symbolise their loyalty, allegiance to the nation, and strengthen bonds between the sailors and the state. The International Fleet Review 2016 does that and much more. IFR 2016, while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying our common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future. Your presence in such large numbers has made this international event spectacular and truly reflects the spirit of this IFR, we are indeed ‘United through Oceans’. The waters that lap our coast also wash your shores, these great blue ‘COMMONS’ indeed link us to each other. IFR 2016 has enabled us to join hands and work together to secure our seas for the greater good of humanity and the world.

The navies of the world have a unique role in promoting goodwill, nurturing peace and tranquility of the oceans. Your ships and all personnel participating at this momentous fleet review are ambassadors of great nations that you represent. The message of friendship and goodwill of your people strengthens our belief in promoting peace, prosperity and stability for mutual co-existence and ensuring secure seas. I understand that your interactions during the past few days of your stay here have been exciting and you all are keenly looking forward to take part in passage exercises and will ‘sail together’ on completion of IFR.

India’s geographical location, astride the major shipping routes of the Indian Ocean, gives it a pivotal maritime role. Considering the globalised nature of today’s political and economic environment, it is our belief that the present day maritime domain requires navies across the world to re-focus their efforts to counter the rising tide of non-traditional maritime challenges in the brown, green and blue waters across all oceans. The Indian Navy, accordingly, has re-aligned its maritime strategy, to reflect the changes in the evolving global environment, and has established a credible record of cooperative initiatives to promote stability of the oceans, and played a central role in ensuring safety of the vital sea lines of communication, across the Indian Ocean.

My special compliments to the Indian Navy, especially the Eastern Naval Command, for the meticulous planning and flawless conduct of today’s splendid Fleet Review. An event of such magnitude could be organised only by the involvement and support of the people. May I thank and congratulate the Government of Andhra Pradesh and all citizens of Visakhapatnam for their cooperation.

I thank all naval ships and delegations assembled here for the Fleet Review to mark this historic occasion. I am confident that our guests from far and wide, will carry with them pleasant memories of the warmth and traditional hospitality shown by the people of India. I would urge that as you sail back to your homelands, carry with you our message of global peace and brotherhood, so that we can strengthen our bonds of friendship and secure a better maritime environment for future generations.

Thank You

Jai Hind! 
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IFR 2016 has enabled us to work together to Secure our Seas for the Greater good of Humanity and the World, says President 
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee witnessed the International Fleet Review-2016 today (February 6, 2016) at Visakhapatnam.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016 while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying our common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future. Presence of foreign countries in such large numbers has made this international event spectacular and truly reflects the spirit of this IFR, we are indeed ‘United through Oceans’. IFR 2016 has enabled us to join hands and work together to secure our seas for the greater good of humanity and the world.

The President said that the navies of the world have a unique role in promoting goodwill, nurturing peace and tranquility of the oceans. Ships and personnel participating at this momentous fleet review are ambassadors of great nations that they represent. The message of friendship and goodwill of their people strengthens our belief in promoting peace, prosperity and stability for mutual co-existence and ensuring secure seas. 


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