Beijing: Two Indian naval ships – INS ‘Kolkata’ and ‘Shakti’ – would take part in the Chinese Navy’s 70th anniversary of celebrations later this month.
The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from April 21 to 26 to participate in an International Fleet Review to participate in the event, an Indian Embassy press release said here Sunday.
During the visit, Indian Ambassador to China, Vikram Misri long with the Commanding Officer of INS ‘Kolkata’, Captain Aditya Hara, will host an on-board reception for the public.
INS ‘Kolkata’ is the lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. It lists of armaments reportedly included Brahmos supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. INS ‘Shakti’ is tanker and supply ship.
It should also be stated here that this is the first time the Indian Navy has been asked to be a part of the Chinese Navy’s celebrations. The ships are expected to leave for Qingdao, early next week.
The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy which is fast expanding its fleet including the aircraft carriers as China intensified efforts to increase global presence and influence plans to have grand celebrations to commemorate the event.
China’s defence spokesman Col Wu Qian had told the media March 28 that over 60 countries would join the commemorative event for the PLA Navy’s 70th founding anniversary, April 23.
It will include various activities, including high-level symposiums, an international fleet inspection, joint military music display, cultural and sports exchanges, among others.
PTI