International Fleet Review 2016

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu paid homage to India's war dead in a wreath-laying ceremony.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held during the afternoon of 4 February at the Victory at Sea Memorial. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief of Naval Staff of India Admiral Dhowan and Eastern Naval Command flag officer Vice-Admiral Satish Soni laid a wreath at the Victory at Sea Memorial in tribute to the Indian Navy sailors killed in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and a guard of honour paraded. Eastern Naval Command Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Bimal Kumar Verma and other dignitaries and representatives of foreign navies were present at the ceremony.[10][11][12][13][14]

The maritime exhibition's theme was Make in India, showcasing the country's innovation, indigenisation and potential. With participating industries which float, move and fly, the exhibition was opened to the public on 2 February.[15][16][17]

Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Robin K. Dhowan addressed the media at the IFR 2016 press conference in New Delhi.

Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Robin K. Dhowan hosted a press conference at the Novotel Convention Centre, in which delegates from the navies participating in the review took part.[10][18] An opening ceremony was held at INS Satavahana.[10][19]

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee reviewing the international fleet

The Indian Navy fleet and foreign naval ships were reviewed by the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Ships from the Indian Coast Guard and the mercantile marine and the Indian Naval Air Arm were also reviewed.[3][10][20][21][22]

President Mukherjee with the ceremonial guard of honour

The naval band presented a concert at the Samudrika Naval Auditorium.[8][23] The Indian Navy hosted a presidential banquet in the Eastern Naval Command officers' mess attended by central- and state-government dignitaries, chiefs of foreign navies, heads of delegations, and Indian and foreign participants in the IFR.[24]

A two-day international maritime conference began on 7 February with the theme, "Partnering together for a secure maritime future".[22][25] The Navy conducted a parade and a 30-minute operation demonstration at RK Beach in Vishakhapatnam. Contingents of the Indian Armed Forces, the Andhra Pradesh Police, the National Cadet Corps and foreign navies and their bands marched in the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a book about India's maritime heritage during the event. The parade ended with a reception hosted by Chief of Naval Staff Dhowan honouring the prime minister.[26][27][28][29]

An international band concert was presented at the naval institute as part of the IFR 2016 closing ceremony.[30][31][32]

Group photo of delegates at the IFR 2016 closing ceremony