President’s Fleet Review

A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies across the world. It is a grand ceremonial occasion when operational ships are decorated and assembled, proudly displaying their crests and crews in a spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the nation. Historically, fleet reviews were organized to demonstrate naval strength or readiness for battle at sea. In modern times, however, fleets are usually assembled for peaceful ceremonial purposes, celebrations, or special national occasions.

Fleet reviews also foster a sense of unity among sailors worldwide. Sometimes ships sail across oceans to participate in the fleet reviews of friendly nations, strengthening international naval bonds and encouraging sailors to reaffirm their commitment to protecting their country’s sovereignty.

Fleet Review in India 🇮🇳

After independence, it became a tradition that the President of India, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reviews the naval fleet once during his tenure.

In this highly formal naval ceremony:

• Ships, submarines, and aircraft from all naval commands assemble together.
• Vessels from the Indian Coast Guard and the merchant navy may also participate.
• All ships are decorated and anchored in precise lines at assigned positions.

The ceremony begins with a 21-gun salute, after which the President boards the Presidential Yacht, identified by the Ashoka emblem. The yacht sails past the assembled ships while the crews stand in white ceremonial uniforms. As the President passes each ship, sailors remove their caps in unison and shout three resounding “Jai”, reaffirming their loyalty to the nation and its Supreme Commander.

The 9th President’s Fleet Review (2006)

The 9th President’s Fleet Review was held on 12 February 2006 off the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal. This was the first time the fleet review was held on India’s east coast, as earlier reviews had taken place near Mumbai on the west coast.

The review was conducted by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

The previous International Fleet Review 2001 had included 97 warships and submarines, 24 foreign naval ships, one submarine from a foreign navy, and a fly-past by 56 aircraft, and was reviewed by K. R. Narayanan.

Naval Power Depicted on the Stamps

The commemorative stamps issued for the event highlight the multidimensional strength of the Indian Navy:

Air Power

• Aircraft carrier INS Viraat
• Fighter aircraft Sea Harrier

Surface Forces

• Talwar-class frigate
• Brahmaputra-class frigate
• Anti-submarine Sea King helicopter

Support Vessels

• Sandhayak-class survey vessel
• ICGS Vigraha
• Maritime patrol Dornier Do 228

Underwater Capability

• Sindhughosh-class submarine
• Shishumar-class submarine

First Day Cover and Special Cancellation

The First Day Cover features the Naval Ensign with the anchorage plan off Visakhapatnam harbour, showing the ships lined up and the route of the President’s Yacht during the fleet review.

The special cancellation design is inspired by a two-masted ship depicted on a 2nd-century lead coin of the Satavahana dynasty, symbolizing India’s ancient maritime heritage.

Philatelic Features

To commemorate this historic naval ceremony, India Post issued a se-tenant set of four commemorative postage stamps celebrating the 9th President’s Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam in 2006.

These stamps highlight the strength, discipline, and technological capability of India’s maritime forces and honour the sailors who safeguard the nation’s seas.