Navies have unique role in promoting goodwill: Pranab

Navies of the world have a unique role in promoting goodwill, nurturing peace and tranquillity of the oceans, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday following an impressive International Fleet Review.

Speaking on board INS Sumitra, an offshore patrol vessel converted to serve as the presidential yatch, Mukherjee said present-day maritime domain requires navies across the world to re-focus their efforts to counter the rising tide of non-traditional maritime challenges.

"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 ocean," the president said.

He said India's geographical location vis-a-vis the major shipping routes of the Indian Ocean gives it a pivotal maritime role in promoting peace, prosperity and stability for mutual co-existence.

"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."

A fleet review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of naval warships by the President -- the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces.

Along with 71 Indian ships, 24 foreign ships and personnel from 50 navies participated in the International Fleet Review -- the second to be held in India and largest military exercise hosted by the country so far.