New Delhi: India Navy’s indigenous stealth destroyer INS Kolkata and fleet tanker INS Shakti would be taking part in the Chinese international fleet review (IFR) to be held at Qingdao on April 23.

The ships are likely to sail in the evening of 22 April to participate in the Naval Parade of ships scheduled to be reviewed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping on 23 April. This is a part of the celebrations of the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. 

International Fleet Review (IFR) is a parade of naval ships, aircraft, and submarines, and is organised by nations to promote goodwill, strengthen cooperation and showcase their organisational capabilities.

IFR also serves as an ideal platform for the world’s navies to showcase their prowess and indigenous ship designing and shipbuilding capabilities in a global arena.

The Indian Navy would be represented in the IFR at Qingdao by indigenously built stealth guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata and fleet support ship INS Shakti.

The visit of the Indian Navy’s most potent destroyer and versatile fleet support ship showcases India’s prowess, reach and sustainability in addition to indigenous shipbuilding capability.

“INS Kolkata is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to address threats in all dimensions of naval warfare. INS Shakti, a replenishment ship, is one of the largest tankers displacing over 27,000 tonnes and capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes of liquid cargo and over 500 tonnes of solid cargo including victuals and ammunition,” the official said.

“Ships will be opened for visits by PLA (Navy) personnel and local populace to showcase the Indian Navy’s prowess and India’s shipbuilding capability. The ships are likely to sail in the evening of 22 April to participate in the Naval Parade of ships scheduled to be reviewed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping on 23 April,” the official said.