An armada of Indian warships arrived in the Shanghai's northern Bund area on Wednesday to begin a five-day goodwill tour. This is the first Indian naval visit to China in six years.

The four frontline warships include a destroyer, a frigate, a corvette and a fleet tanker, carrying 1,400 sailors. The fleet is led by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, who is the chief of the Eastern Command of India's navy. Before its arrival in China, the fleet has made stops in Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Chopra says the ships are here to promote friendship.

Anil Chopra, vice Admiral, Chief of Eastern Naval Command, said, "Sometimes especially in the media, there can be some misunderstandings. But that's why we are engaged in the process of dialog. And you'll be happy to know that this year we're starting the maritime dialog between the two nations."

Chopra says the maritime dialog could cover cooperation against pirates in the Gulf of Aden to provide security for commercial vessels. But details of the cooperation are yet to be confirmed. And here in Shanghai, there will be a variety of events on board the ships, such as school children visits and naval band performances. The ships are scheduled to leave Shanghai on Sunday.

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