India, Feb. 19 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday stated that the Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding the country's maritime interests and contributes to stability across the wider maritime commerce.

Presiding over the International Fleet Review (IFR) off the Visakhapatnam coast aboard an Indian Naval warship in the Bay of Bengal, the President said the Indian Navy is deployed in the region to serve as a credible instrument of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges arising in the sea.

"Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding India's maritime interests and is contributing to stability across wider maritime commerce," Murmu said.

Further, she noted that the Indian Navy plays a vital role in promoting goodwill, bu...