1、Four Indian Navy vessels are now in Shanghai for a 5 day port-of-call.The stop-over in Shanghai is part of what the India navy describes as its look east strategy.CRIs Zhang Shuangfeng reports.Speaking after a welcoming ceremony hosted by the PLA navys eastern fleet in Shanghai, Vice Admiral Anil Ch
2、opra from Indias Eastern Naval command says India is now looking to bolster its involvment east of its territory.I think Indias look east policy has been delayed for many years. We were not here extending our hand of friendship to all the nations. So some years ago, we consciously decided to partici
3、pate and cooperate with all the nations to the east of India.Included in the new look east policy is a 7-nation tour to countries including Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and China.Chopra says in addition to this trip being a reciprocating stop following a visit by
4、 the Chinese Navy ship Zhenghe to the Port of Cochin in India last month, the visit also helps mark the Year of India China Friendship and Cooperation.As we can see, four of our ships have come to Shanghai, along with the fleet commander. I am going to meet the Chief of the east fleet of the Chinese
5、 Navy. And in this fashion, between ship visits and visits of senior officers and delegations, we are hopeful that we will increase the cooperation between the two navies.Some have suggested an increased Indian presence in east Asia could complicate a situation where competing interests in maritime
6、areas, including the South China Sea.However, Copra says thats a scenario he doesnt see happening.No, I dont think that we have any specific reasons for cooperation between ourselves and the navies of the region. Dispute will arise between nations, but like I said, they can be resolved in the spirit
7、 of peacefulness and international cooperation. And we particularly, have friendly relationships with all countries including China. We do not hold any speculation about Chinas intentions and Chinas plans which come out of the media.During the Indian navys time in Shanghai, the ships will be open to visitors.For CRI, this is Zhang Shuangfeng.
