Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will host the first ever Global Maritime Summit in April this year and called for maritime cooperation stating that the seas must be used to build peace, friendship, trust and curb conflict. The Prime Minister said that international maritime stability cannot be preserved by a single nation with the complexity of modern day challenges. He also said India is and has always been a maritime nation.

Addressing the valedictory function of International Fleet Review, the prime minister also made a veiled reference to the South China Sea dispute, saying countries must ‘respect and ensure freedom of navigation and cooperate not compete’.

“Of all Indian Naval ships participating in Fleet Review, at least 37 are “Made in India” a number that will surely rise in coming years. I see youth in the coastal areas as our true assets. They have a natural and deep understanding of the Oceans,” he added. Expressing his delight to be in Vishakhapatnam, Prime Minister Modi said he is privileged to visit the city which has a special place in the hearts of all Indians.

The 30-minute long operational demonstration showcased multi-dimensional operational tasks undertaken by the various arms of the Indian Navy. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was also present on the occasion along with Army Chief General Dalbir Singh and his Naval counterpart Admiral R.K. Dhowan.