India’s INS Kolkata chip in to China’s Quingdao port; Pakistan decides to miss PLA Navy International fleet review

New Delhi, April 22: Two Indian Naval ships named INS Kolkata and INS Shakti arrived at China’s Quingdao port to participate in PLA Navy International fleet review this year. The Indian Navy destroyer was accompanied by a high level delegation led by Rear Admiral Puneet Chadha and the Chief Staff Officer of the Eastern Naval Command.

 

The IFR being scheduled till 25th of April, the two ships INS Kolkata and INS Shakti are commanded by Captain Aditya Hara and Captain Sriram Amur respectively. “Participation by the Indian Navy in the PLA Navy IFR is part of the efforts towards deepening the military-to-military relations between India and China, which is in keeping with the strategic guidance provided by the leaders of both countries”, read the official statement released by the Indian embassy.

“The past year has witnessed an intensification of these exchanges, including an exchange of visits by the Defence Ministers and Army Theatre Commanders of both countries. Besides these high level engagements, there have also been professional interactions at the mid and junior officers levels”, it added further.

 

The PLA Navy IFR is further estimated to enhance mutual trust and understanding in the ongoing process. A range of professional, cultural and sports exchanges are planned as per the confirmations from the Indian embassy. “Professionally, the ships’ crews will not only participate in planning and executing the parade at sea, but will also meet separately for experience sharing”, the statement read ahead.

The ships will also be open to the general public, including the local Indian community, providing a unique opportunity for direct engagement with the people of Qingdao.

 

INS Kolkata is an indigenously designed and built stealth destroyer. It is the first of a class of three such ships and is the biggest destroyer built by India. INS Kolkata is equipped with the latest weapons and sensors, and is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple threats from the air, sea and underwater.

 

However, the energy vessel INS Shakti is a Fleet Support Ship. It exists to provide fuel and munitions to warships whilst underway at sea. Both ships are capable of operating large helicopters for tasks such as anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue.

 

Over the next few days, China plans to make a big show of its newly developed naval capabilities, which include nuclear submarines and destroyers, at a parade marking 70 years of it’s Navy founding. Ten countries including India, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand have deployed 20 vessels to join the naval parade. However Pakistan, who is the said baby ally, always supported by China throughout, has decided not to participate providing no explanation to this.