Bridges of Friendship

Sir, - The fifth International Fleet Review, rightly themed as Bridges of Friendship, was an excellent attempt by the Indian Navy to extend its hand of friendship to the 19 foreign participant navies as well as other absent nations. The IFR saw the participation of 45 Indian warships accompanied by some 24 foreign navy vessels which varied from the Kenyan warship KNS Shukaa and SAS Drakenberg from South Africa to the only foreign nuclear submarine Perle from France and the world's most powerful destroyer Cowpens (where else than) from the U.S. The absence of India's neighbours, China and Pakistan, was felt. Whatever the reasons, an excellent opportunity was lost by all three nations to restore some geo- political understanding among themselves. On the other hand, most laudable was the relief brought along by the Japanese and South African warships for the Gujarat earthquake victims.

Hopefully, India will benefit from the multi-crore exercise, stated to be the most spectacular maritime display witnessed on this side of the globe. It cannot be ruled out that the main factor affecting maritime security in high seas arises from the desire to control the flow of conventional energy sources like oil and the marine wealth.

The IFR was an opportunity for the Indian Navy to display not only its naval might but also promote India's achievements in the field of science and technology. The presence of Vice Admiral, D. J. Shacklton must be considered significant as Australia had withdrawn its attache in protest against the May 1998 nuclear tests. The Indian Navy's possible participation in the sixth international naval review in Australia in October need not be restricted to projecting its upgraded firepower.

Qureish Raghib,

Mumbai

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : Beyond the ceasefire
Next     : Free railway passes