President Pratibha Patil to review Indian naval fleet in Mumbai

President Pratibha Patil will review the naval fleet in Mumbai on December 20, thus becoming the first woman Indian president to do so. This will be the Indian Navy’s 10th PFR.  Patil’s tenure as president comes to an end in July 2012.

More than 60 ships and submarines will participate from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the merchant marine service as well. The navy will deploy over 48 aircraft, including the recently inducted MiG-29K and helicopters like the Sea Kings 42C. There is no foreign participation either by way of platforms or delegations.

The last PFR was held on February 12, 2006. This year there will be no city parade or presentation of colours as both the Western naval command and the Western fleet have been presented presidential colours.

This year new ships such as INS Shivalik would be showcased before the president. Though this would be the first time a lady president would be inspecting the naval fleet, a source told DNA that no special arrangements have been made.