Partnerships are key to achieving global security and growth, says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu, the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, has said that India’s approach to international relations, including the maritime domain, is guided by its ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). This approach reflects the wisdom that global security and growth, sustainability and stability are built through partnerships.

The President made a review of the Indian Naval Ships, ships and vessels of friendly nations, anchored at sea in six columns, as part of the third International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, held off Visakhapatnam coast on Wednesday.

Addressing the naval officers, sailors and guests on board INS Sumedha, the Presidential Yacht, on the conclusion of the review, Ms. Murmu congratulated the naval personnel of India and other nations for their impressive display as part of IFR.

She recalled that India has very good maritime relations with the Southeast Asian nations for trade commerce and cultural exchange for centuries.

India believes that a sound maritime order is based on collective responsibility and cooperation among like-minded partners. “The Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and contributing to stability across the wider maritime commons. Units of the Indian Navy deployed in the region serve as credible instruments of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges arising in the seas,” she said.

She said that the ‘Bali Jatra’ between Odisha (India) and Bali signifies the trade, commerce and cultural exchanges between the people of India and Southeast Asian nations.

The Indian Navy is often the first responder in times of humanitarian crises and natural disasters, extending quick assistance with compassion and competence. The Indian Navy also plays a vital role in promoting goodwill and building bridges of trust, confidence, and friendship with navies around the globe. “The spirit of friendship on display today through the participation of so many friendly countries highlights the truth that we are connected rather than divided by the seas,” she said.

Indian Naval might at sea, underwater and in the air was on display at the 3rd edition of IFR. While the imposing INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously-built aircraft carrier, reflected the nation’s march towards Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance) and its capabilities in building aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. The participation of ships from friendly foreign nations and the French Navy’s Atlantic aircraft in the aerial demonstration strengthens India’s belief in the need for shared collective responsibility and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

The aerial combat manoeuvres by the MIG 29k and 31 aircraft, flypast by Chetak helicopters, Chetaks carrying the Indian National Flag, and the Indian Navy flag, choppers and naval aircraft in various formations and the P8 i, anti-submarine aircraft, releasing flares was impressive.

Earlier in the day, the President inspected the Guard of Honour at Naval Dockyard Jetty.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu and others were onboad the Presidential Yacht.