China accords warm reception to Indian naval ships

Four Indian naval warships, on the first goodwill tour to China in six years, docked at the Shanghai port on Wednesday to a warm reception by the Chinese navy, as the two forces work to overcome mistrust and warm up for maritime cooperation.

Rana -- a Rajput class guided missile destroyer, Shivalik -- a stealth frigate; Karmuk -- a Kora class Corvettes and INS Shakti -- a fleet tanker, comprising of over 1000 sailors and officers arrived at the picturesque Bund in Shanghai to the accompaniment of Chinese naval bands.

Chinese naval officials headed by Rear Admiral, Shen Hao, Commander of the Shanghai Maritime garrison welcomed the ships and the crew.

Marking the significance of the occasion, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Chief of Indian Navy's Eastern Command along with Indian Ambassador, S Jaishankar were present to greet the Chinese naval officials.

Much to the delight of the Indian officials, a large contingent of the Chinese media turned up to cover the event
and the press interaction that followed. A press brief issued by the Indian embassy about the interaction with Chinese media today said the Indian officials highlighted India's "Look East Policy" stating that it underscores the importance India attaches to enhancing relations with East and South East Asian countries.

"It is with the hope of strengthening military ties with the countries of the strategically important region that the
four ships under the command of Read Admiral Ajit Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, were presently deployed in the South and East China Sea," the note said.

The ships which started their deployment in early May will continue till June 12 with port calls at Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Japan and China.