Four Indian navy ships dropped anchor at port along the Huangpu River in Shanghai on Wednesday to begin a five-day visit described by one of the Indian commanders as an effort to strengthen ties between India and China.

(From left to right) Rear Admiral P. Ajit Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Fleet, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command and S. Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to China attended a press conference abroad the Guided Missile Stealth Frigate Shivalik at a port along the Huangpu River in Shanghai on Wednesday. [Pang Li/China.org.cn]

The four ships, the Guided Missile Stealth Frigate Shivalik, the Guided Missile Destroyer Rana, the Guided Missile Corvette Karmuk and the versatile Fleet Tanker Shakti are currently on deployment in South and East China Seas under the command of Rear Admiral P. Ajit Kumar who was warmly welcomed by Chinese officials at a welcoming ceremony Wednesday morning.

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command told a press conference Wednesday that during the visit, the ships will be open to visitors and Chinese and Indian crews will visit each other's ships. A number of meetings will also be held between the two sides.

The visit coincides with the "Year of India China Friendship and Cooperation," which was announced by both Chinese President Hu Jintao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March. Vice Admiral Chopra commented that the timing of the visit added to its importance with regard to bilateral relations between the two countries.

Chopra noted the growing military cooperation between the two countries and commented that such cooperation would continue to grow in future. He also expressed his hope that in terms of naval exchanges, more Chinese ships would visit different ports in India.

When asked about the maritime disputes between China and India, the vice admiral said he believed that "all disputes can be solved as per international law." He commented that every country has the freedom to navigate by sea, and stated that the Indian navy's goal is to "bring peace and stability to the region" and "provide help to the whole region."

After the visit, the Chinese and Indian navies will conduct joint exercises in communication verification and ship formation movement.

Related

• China and India are partners rather than rivals
• China, India vow to raise strategic partnership
• China hopes to boost China-India ties
• China, India hold border talks
• China, India should treat competition rationally
• Indian FM stresses China-India cooperation
• India inaugurates new embassy in China
• China, India on right track

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)