SPEECH CNS – INTERNATIONAL CITY PARADE – MILAN 24
Shri Ajay Bhatt, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Heads of Navies, Senior delegates from our friendly foreign navies, Distinguished guests, Flag Officers, and the vibrant people of Visakhapatnam! Namaskaram!
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to all foreign delegates and crew of participating ships and aircraft for representing your proud Nations in the International City Parade of MILAN 2024. It is indeed a pleasure and honour to have Shri Ajay Bhatt, the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, amongst us today. I am grateful to him for having taken time out from his extremely busy schedule to grace this occasion. Maritime outreach and cooperation are key enablers for like-minded navies to work together, with a common purpose towards collective growth and prosperity. The minister’s presence here is an apt recognition of the significance attached by the Government of India to MILAN 2024.
We have just witnessed the awe-inspiring Air Power Demo by aircraft of the Indian Navy. As we prepare to be enthralled by the spectacular International City Parade, the pulse of maritime unity and collaboration is indeed thundering through the streets of this historic maritime city!
Visakhapatnam, with its rich maritime history and tradition, has always had a profound connection with the Indian Navy. From being a nerve centre for trade and commerce of yore, to being the strategic centre of gravity on the Eastern seaboard in the modern Indian maritime landscape today, Visakhapatnam has continued to serve as a beacon of Indian Navy’s maritime will, intent and purpose.
This ‘City of Destiny’ has long resonated with the rhythm of the Indian Navy. From being home to India’s Eastern Naval Command… to hosting prestigious events like the International Fleet Review in 2016… just months after the devastating Cyclone Hudhud… to serving as the proud venue for the maiden Navy Day Celebrations outside New Delhi… this city embodies our shared national commitment to a secure and prosperous maritime future.
I would like to personally acknowledge the hospitality and support rendered by the warm and welcoming people of Visakhapatnam, which has enabled the Indian Navy to host these various grand events, and today’s MILAN 2024.
In recognition of the long standing relationship that the Navy has with this city and as a tribute to the resilience and resolve of its citizens, the Indian Navy has commissioned the first ship of its latest Indigenous Project 15B Stealth Guided Missile Destroyers as INS Visakhapatnam. This ship is one of the most potent weapon platforms in the Indian Navy today.
INS Visakhapatnam deployed nearly two thousand nautical miles West of the city she’s named after – off the Horn of Africa truly represents the proactive assertive posture of the Indian Navy today. The ship has spearheaded anti-piracy and anti-drone operations in the North and Western Arabian Sea, besides undertaking intense fire-fighting operations onboard a foreign flagged tanker last month. The ship’s affirmative actions in the ongoing deployment bear testimony to the fact that a responsible maritime power alone can foster free, open and inclusive global commons – not just for one’s own prosperity, but more importantly for the collective good of the entire global community.
To celebrate this very spirit, I think it is quite apt that we have about 50 navies participating in this edition of MILAN. To our friends and partners from across the seas – Your presence here today is more than just participation in the exercise; it signifies a profound collective understanding that our maritime destinies are intertwined. The vast expanse of the ocean demands not competition, but collaboration and cooperation. I am confident that as we march in step today, this City Parade will showcase our resolve to forge robust partnerships, share invaluable best practices, and collectively strengthen our ability to ensure a safe, stable and secure maritime domain.
To the vibrant heart of this celebration, the participants of the City Parade! You stand poised to showcase the diverse tapestry of our cultures and traditions. The disciplined strides of marching contingents, the electrifying energy of children, the captivating performances of cultural troupes, and the rousing melodies of bands – each element will weave a breathtaking symphony of unity and shared aspirations, reflecting the true spirit of MILAN – Camaraderie, Cohesion, Collaboration.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Andhra Pradesh as well as the civil administration and sincere appreciation to the remarkable people of Visakhapatnam for their unflinching support, which has been invaluable, as always. Dhanyawadalu!
I wish this International City Parade all success and, once again, extend my gratitude to Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, our guests from friendly foreign countries and all the distinguished dignitaries, who have graced this ceremony.
Jai Bharat! Sam No Varunah ….. May the Ocean Lord be auspicious unto us, as we head out to the seas together tomorrow to ensure Security and Growth for All in the Region!
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