The review of a Nation's fleet of warships, by the Heads of the State, is a ceremonial occasion,  originating  many centuries ago. The earliest record available is that of the Review of the Royal Navy by King Edward III as early as in 1415. Originally, the Review was an opportunity for the Head  of  State  to  satisfy  himself on the operational readiness  of  his ships to  wage  war  at  sea.   With  the  passage of time, Reviews were held to mark important events like a coronation, notable anniversaries, visits of important state guests etc.

The Indian Navy is normally reviewed by the President, in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, once during his tenure in office. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the Republic of India, was also the first to review the Indian Fleet on 10 October 1953. Dr. Radhakrishnan, who was scheduled  to do so on 20 April 1964, could not review the Fleet because of an eye ailment, and the Review was conducted instead by the then Defence Minister, Shri Y.B. Chavan, Dr. Radhakrishnan,  however,  reviewed the Fleet at Sea in 1966.  The next Review took place, during the Presidency of Shri V.V. Giri, on 28 December 1969. Shri  F.A. Ahmed  reviewed  the  Fleet on  11 January  1976. The Sixth Review is being held on 12 February  1984,  off the  Gateway  of  India, Bombay.

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a se-tenant set of four commemorative stamps on this occasion.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India