More than one hundred thousand spectators lined the streets of Visakhapatnam as the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Warramunga took part in the International Fleet Review City Parade, one of India’s largest public maritime celebrations.
The event brought together naval personnel from around the world in a display of ceremony and coordination. Military bands, cultural performances and precision aerial displays formed part of a programme designed to showcase maritime cooperation and national pride.
Australia had the honour of leading the international marching contingent, with Warramunga’s ship’s company stepping out at the front of the formation to represent the Royal Australian Navy on the global stage. Their position at the head of the formation placed Australia prominently among participating nations and reflected the close ties between Canberra and New Delhi in the Indo-Pacific.
Visakhapatnam, home to India’s Eastern Naval Command, has long played a central role in the country’s maritime strategy. The International Fleet Review draws ships and personnel from multiple countries, offering an opportunity for naval diplomacy alongside public engagement. For local residents, the parade provided a rare chance to see foreign naval personnel marching through the city streets.
The scale of the turnout spoke to the public interest in the review, with crowds gathering early to secure vantage points along the route. Uniformed contingents moved in synchronised formation, while aircraft performed overhead and bands maintained a steady rhythm through the procession.
For the crew of HMAS Warramunga, participation in the parade marked a visible demonstration of Australia’s ongoing naval engagement in the region. The Royal Australian Navy has increased its presence in Indo-Pacific exercises and multilateral events in recent years, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen regional partnerships.
As the parade concluded, the streets gradually cleared, leaving behind the memory of a day that placed maritime cooperation at the centre of public attention in one of India’s key naval cities.
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