Gale hindered Indian warships to leave Vladivostok

25.04.2011 Indian Navy's task force paying friendly visit to Vladivostok had to stay one day more due to the gale in the Sea of Japan, and on Saturday headed for Manila, reported RIA Novosti referring to Pacific Fleet (PF) Commander's press secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov.

Indian Navy task force consisting of three destroyers INS Delhi, INS Ranvir, and INS Ranvijay, corvette INS Kirch, and tanker INS Jyoti called at PF main base Vladivostok on Apr 18. The visit under the flag of Rear Admiral Bish, Eastern Naval Command was supposed to finish on Apr 22. However, due to the severe gale came to the Sea of Japan on Friday, it was decided to leave Vladivostok one day later.

"Saturday afternoon the storm quieted down and the solemn farewell ceremony took place on the quay of the Golden Horn Bay", said the interviewee.

According to him, the Indian military delegation had paid visit to PF command and Vladivostok mayor. Foreign guests laid wreaths at the Battle Glory of Pacific Fleet Memorial.

"Joint concert of Indian Navy Band, Pacific Fleet Band, and Indian-style dance teams had a great success in Vladivostok Naval Officers' Club. Indian Navy Band gave a concert on the city's central square as well", Martov said.

He added that Indian mariners had visited the memorable sites of Vladivostok and Pacific Fleet, and held a traditional soccer game with Russian colleagues. The visit program also included some informal meetings between naval servicemen of the two countries.

The recent visit to Vladivostok is the second one for Indian sailors. First time they did it in 2007 during the INDRA-2007 joint naval exercise. In their turn, PF warships called at Indian ports several times in 90's, and then in 2001, 2003, and 2005.