President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi to attend International Fleet Review

VISAKHAPATNAM: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to attend the International Fleet Review ( IFR) here in February next year, an event that is likely to see participation from 50 nations, including the US, China and Japan, a top Naval officer said today.

IFR, where warships from maritime countries will take part, is to be held in this port city from February 5 to 8, Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), said.

ENC, headquartered in the city, is hosting the event.

Speaking to reporters here, Soni said of the 79 countries invited for the event, 37, including the US, the UK, China and Japan, have already confirmed participation. It is expected that nearly 50 countries will take part in the event.

Mukherjee and Modi are expected to attend the IFR and both dignitaries will stay put in Visakhapatnam for three days from February 5, he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the International Fleet Review Village at Andhra University College of Engineering Grounds here on February 4.

An exhibition on Indian Navy and the country's heritage and culture will be held at the venue.

"Nearly 400 VVIPs and VIPs are expected to arrive in the city for the four-day event. Many other visiting delegates from foreign navies will stay on board their respective ships," the Vice-Admiral said.

The Navy is making elaborate arrangements for the meet and its top brass recently made an extensive presentation to the Chief Minister about their preparations for the IFR.

Naidu is learnt to have extended his full support for the event, which would put the port city on the global map and promote 'Brand Vizag'.