Indian Navy calls on Qingdao, China
IN Ships Rana and Ranjit under the command of Capt LV
Sarat Babu and Captain DM Sudan respectively, visited
Qingdao from 12 to 15 Apr 07 during the course of the
ships Overseas Deployment (RAJDOOT 01/07) to the North
Pacific Region. The ships visit to Qingdao, China
coincided with the concurrent visit of INS Mysore,
Jyoti and Kuthar under the operational command of Rear
Admiral Ravinder Kumar Dhowan, AVSM, YSM to Yokosuka,
Japan.
On arrival at Qingdao harbour the ships were welcomed
by Her Excellency Mrs Nirupama Rao, Ambassadress of
India to China, Vice Admiral R P Suthan, Deputy
Chief of Naval Staff and Rear Admiral Su Shiliang,
Commander North Sea Fleet (NSF) of PLA Navy. A first
day postal cover commemorating the first visit of
Indian Naval ships to Qingdao was also released on
this occasion.
During the welcome address Rear Admiral Su Shiliang,
Commander North Sea Fleet and H.E. Mrs Nirupama Rao,
Ambassadress of India highlighted the strategic
significance of Indo-China relations. These views were
echoed during the formal interaction between Vice
Admiral RP Suthan, Rear Admiral Shu Shiliang and the
Commanding Officers of the Indian Naval ships. The
Navys' role in the expanding military / diplomatic
ties as well as 'Building Bridges of Freindship'
between India and China was clearly evident during the
ships stay in Qingdao. A reception was hosted for the
PLA Navy officers and Defence Attaches of Australia,
South Korea, Germany, Brazil, Japan, France and the US
on board Rana on 13 Apr.
Concurrently the ships were opened for visitors.
Prominent amongst those who visited the ship included
the small, fledgling yet proud and reassured members
of the Indian business community in Qingdao.
Additionally, the response of the local populace was
overwhelming. The enthusiasm and genuine happiness of
these people helped breach the strong language
barrier. Further consolidating on the 'Bridges of
Friendship' construct, a band concert by the Indian
Naval Band was conducted at 'May 4th Square'. The
Naval band enthralled the audience, of more than over
2000, in a programme that lasted over two hours.
Adulation was readily apparent in enthusiastic crowd
participation and requests for encores.
The ships departed Qingdao at 0830 hrs on 16 Apr 07
and were led out of harbour by PLAN ship Qingdao.
During the passage the ships undertook basic
communication and maneuvering exercises. The PASSEX
concluded with a steampast by the IN ships wherein IN
- PLAN personnel manned respective ship sides.
VG/AK
(Release ID :27041)