On Navy Day, Russia made a notable display of its maritime partnerships, featuring ships from China, India, and Algeria in a naval parade in St. Petersburg.
A Diverse Attendance
Acccording to Lenta analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest this event aimed to present an "alternative to NATO," underscoring Russia's strengthening military ties beyond the Western alliance.
The parade saw participation from naval vessels of China, Algeria, and India, alongside representatives from 31 countries, including Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Cuba, Libya, Myanmar, Syria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. This diverse attendance highlighted Russia's outreach to various global partners, showcasing a broad coalition of naval forces.
Strengthen Military Collaborations
In conjunction with the parade, Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin held meetings with the naval commanders of China and Myanmar. The ISW analysts believe these interactions, coupled with recent visits of Russian ships to Cuba and Venezuela, indicate Russia's growing efforts to strengthen military collaborations in these regions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the gathering, extending congratulations to Russian military personnel and acknowledging the crews of the visiting ships from China, Algeria, and India.
The grand naval display in the Neva River featured over 200 vessels and involved around 15,000 military personnel, reflecting Russia's significant naval capabilities and its aspirations for a more prominent role on the global maritime stage.
