It was camaraderie right from the word go. Chinese Naval officials and their counterparts in India had loads of fun by presenting hit numbers from China and Bollywood showcasing their determination to strengthen bilateral ties.
The party hosted by PLA Navy, which brought Zhenghe and Weifang to Visakhapatnam Port, on a goodwill visit of the ships to India, on Sunday night was a grand success. For many Indian naval officials, it was like visiting China for sometime with Chinese ambience on the decks of the ship. The menu consisted of wide variety of Chinese dishes.
Presentation of ‘Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo’ from Bollywood blockbuster ‘Howrah Bridge’ by a naval officer’s wife and ‘Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Deewana’ from ‘Don’ by city youngster Rachana mesmerised the Chinese people drawing huge applause and clapping.
“We are on a short trip to Visakhapatnam, which is a beautifully landscaped city with green-capped hillocks and virgin beaches. We are floored by the warmth and hospitality of the people in India,” an official the visiting team, told The Hindu .
The Chinese crew from the ship and the delegation comprising over 500 were thrilled during their visit to the beach road and particularly the INS Kursura submarine museum.
“The ships have come for the first time. Earlier, Eastern Naval Command sent several ships on a goodwill visit to China. The friendship between the two countries is increasing year after year,” remarked Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ENC.
Besides interaction between the officials of both the navies in various professional, cultural, social and sports events, the teams will engage in friendly basketball and football matches.
Rear Admiral Han Xiaohu, Commander PLAN Training Ship Task Group and Rear Admiral Li Jianjun, Assistant Chief of Staff and Political Commissar of PLA Dalian Navy Academy, were part of the visiting team.
A fruitful trip“It is a very fruitful trip. The ships’ next call of destination is Myanmar. We expect more such visits in future,” said Capt. S.K. Chugh, Chief Executive of Cosco (India) Shipping Private Agency, agents for the Chinese vessels.
Capt. Bijay Shekhar, branch head of Seaways Shipping and Logistics (sub agents for the ships), said they were extremely happy over the response to the programme.
