The stage is set for International Fleet Review, IFR beginning today in Visakhapatnam. Navy and the State administration have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the public assembling at the Beach Road to watch the Fleet Review. International Fleet Review 2016 activities will commence with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu paying homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial near RK Beach in the evening.<br/><br/>The Victory at Sea War Memorial on the Beach Road is a reminder to the public of the heroic efforts and the sacrifice that their brethren made for the country during 1971 war for liberation of Bangladesh.<br/><br/>Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni and commanding officers of foreign naval ships would also lay wreaths at the War Memorial as a mark of respect for the supreme sacrifice by the men in uniform. The event will follow inauguration of the Maritime Exhibition (MAREX) on the theme – Innovation, Youth and Indigenisation – at the Andhra University College of Engineering Grounds. <br/><br/>The exhibition focuses on Prime Minister's vision of "Make in India". Various Indian Industries and organisations have set up an array of 74 stalls showcasing the self-reliance of Indian Navy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the exhibition on February 6. <br/> <br/>With IFR's theme 'United Through Nations', which intends to build bridges of friendship with the maritime nations, the local authorities are leaving no stone unturned to impress the visiting guests. In all, 52 countries have confirmed their participation and the foreign ships have started arriving in Visakhapatnam. <br/><br/>More than 30 service chiefs, including the naval chiefs of 10 nations, are expected to attend the event. Nearly 90 ships, including Indian Navy submarines as well as 25 foreign ships and 60 aircraft, have been readied for participating in the Fleet Review. This is the second IFR since 2001 in Mumbai and the first IFR on the Eastern seaboard of India.<br/><br/>Besides naval ships review by President Pranab Mukherjee on February 6, a maritime exhibition, an international city parade, a maritime conference, an operational demonstration, and a book release function celebrating the maritime heritage of India are also planned.