Two Indian battle ships, including the biggest indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, have arrived at the port city of Qingdao to take part in the Chinese Navy’s fleet review while the Pakistan naval ships will be conspicuous by their absence at the event. China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is celebrating its 70th founding anniversary on April 23 with a grand fleet review. However, PLAN’s naval fleet review will be held without the ships from its closest ally Pakistan. Though there is no official announcement, official sources told PTI that no Pakistan ships are expected to take part in the fleet review. Observers say international naval fleet reviews are generally meant for showcasing each country’s modern naval ships.

Source: The Hindu April 21, 2019 06:23 UTC