The Review of the Indian Naval Fleet by the President of India, Shri R Venkataraman, off the Gateway of India at Bombay on 15th February 1989 is the 7th Naval Review since Independence. This great honour, being done to the ‘Silent Service’ by the Head of the State follows a time-honoured tradition uniquely naval, historical and ceremonial.
The earliest known record of Naval Reviews is that of the British Fleet by King Edward III, which goes back to the year 1415. In those days, such Reviews were held primarily for the Head of the State to satisfy him on the operational readiness of his ships to wage war at sea. Time gradually changed this concept from solely operational to impressive ceremonial with a view to highlight the importance of such historical land marks.
The President of India in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, usually reviews the Indian Fleet once during his tenure as Head of the Republic. The first such Review was by our first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 10 Oct 1953.
This Review is a clear indicator of the achievements in self-reliance in ship-building industry — particularly so for the warships. We have come a long way from the total foreign acquisitions of the sixties to self-reliance in conceiving, designing and building sophisticated warships and submarines in the eighties.
The Review 89 puts on display an impressive array of ships, aircrafts and submarines which signify the growth of the Indian Navy from a mere fledgling into a mature and capable three dimensional fighting force, ready to meet any challenge ahead.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India