Indian ships in China for 70th PLA Navy anniversary; Pak ships set to be absent

Beijing: 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. Ten countries, including India, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam will deploy 20 vessels to join a naval parade.

INS Kolkata, which is the first of a new class of three destroyers built by India, is accompanied by tanker INS Shakti, a fleet support ship, to take part in the event. 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 said that no Pakistan ships are expected to take part in the fleet review. Instead, Pakistan navy will be represented by a high-level delegation at the Qingdao celebrations being held from April 21-26.

Being an all-weather ally of China, Pakistan is the biggest procurer of Chinese

weapons systems. China is currently building four most advanced naval frigates for Pakistan.