Two Indian warships to be in Chinese Navy's anniversary

Two Indian Navy ships INS Kolkata and INS Shakti will be in China next week to participate in an international fleet review to mark the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Navy.

The two warships with nearly 500 men will reach Qingdao on Sunday (April 21) and were likely to sail in the evening of April 22 to participate in the naval parade of ships scheduled to be reviewed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping next day, an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

Two years ago when India organised an international fleet review at Visakhapatnam, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) sent two of its guided missile frigates Liuzhou and Sanya under the command of Rear Admiral rank officer from the 21 Task Force for the show.

But since then the relations between the two neighbours nosedived following the Doklam crisis in which the border guarding troops had a face-off for 72 days. It took several high-level meetings to set out the road map on improving the relations.

India's participation in the mega maritime show in the communist country is one of such confidence-building measures aimed at normalising the relations.

During the harbour stay, the two Indian navy ships will be open for visit by PLAN personnel as well as by the local population.

The visit of Indian Navy’s most potent destroyer and versatile fleet support ship capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes of liquid cargo and over 500 tonnes of solid cargo including victuals and ammunition, would showcase India’s prowess, reach and sustainability in addition to indigenous shipbuilding capability, the spokesperson said.

Chinese military currently focuses on expanding its naval fleet with the underlying aim of controlling the Indian Ocean region where India is a key player.

According to one estimate, China is likely to have about 550 warships by 2030, surpassing the US forces. Its second aircraft carrier that completed at least four rounds of sea trials since 2018, is likely to participate in the parade. The US Navy, however, would not take part in the maritime show, which could be one of Asia's biggest ones.