Indian Navy ships call in at Qingdao

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Building ''Bridges of Friendship'' and highlighting the strategic significance of Sino-Indian relations, two ships of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet visited Qingdao to an overwhelming reception.

The four-day visit -- the first-ever by Indian Naval ships to the Chinese port city and commencing April 12 -- coincided with a concurrent visit of three other Indian Naval ships to Yokosuka in Japan.

INS 'Rana' and 'Ranjit', under the command of Capt LV Sarat Babu and Captain DM Sudan, respectively, visited Qingdao during the course of their Overseas Deployment to the North Pacific Region.

Concurrently, INS 'Mysore', 'Jyoti' and 'Kuthar' under the operational command of Rear Admiral Ravinder Kumar Dhowan visited Yokosuka, said an official spokesperson here today.

On arrival at Qingdao harbour -- one of China's main ports for foreign trade and a key economic centre, the Indian ships were welcomed by Indian envoy to China Mrs Nirupama Rao, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral RP Suthan, and Rear Admiral Su Shiliang, Commander North Sea Fleet (NSF) of the PLA Navy.

A first-day postal cover commemorating the first visit of Indian Naval ships to Qingdao was also released on the occasion.

The Navy's role in the expanding military/diplomatic ties as well as 'Building Bridges of Friendship' between India and China was clearly evident during the ships' stay in Qingdao, said the spokesperson.

Prominent among those who visited the ships -- when they were opened for visitors -- were the small in numbers 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.

On the occasion, a band concert by the Indian Naval Band was organisted at 'May 4th Square' with the Indian bandsmen enthralling the audience of over 2,000 in a programme that lasted over two hours.

During their stay, the Indian ships also undertook basic communication and manoeuvering exercises with PLAN ship 'Qingdao'.

UNI