Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata And INS Shakti To Participate In 70th Anniversary Celebrations Of Chinese Counterpart

Indian Navy’s two ships - INS Kolkata and INS Shakti - would take part in the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's seventieth anniversary celebrations later this month, reports LiveMint.

The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from 21 to 26 April to participate in an International Fleet Review to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Chinese Navy, an Indian Embassy press release said on Sunday (7 April).

According to the report, during the ships’ visit, the Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri along with the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, Captain Aditya Hara, will be hosting an on-board reception for the public.

The INS Kolkata is lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy, which is reportedly equipped with Brahmos supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. On the other hand, INS Shakti is a tanker and supply ship.

As per the report, given the growing size of Chinese Navy and ambitions of Chinese establishment to expand its influence and presence globally, it plans to have grand celebrations to commemorate the event.

Over 60 countries would be joining the mega event which will include high-level symposiums, an international fleet inspection, joint military music display, cultural and sports exchanges etc, reports Livemint.