On Aug. 8，2013，India welcomed the visit by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark".

Speaking at the reception banquet on the board of the hospital ship, M.D. Suresh, Rear Admiral and Flag Official of Doctrine and Concept (FODC) of the Indian Western Naval Command, said "The colors of the sea and our uniform bring us together. On behalf of the Indian western naval command, we warmly welcome you to Mumbai."

He also said the visiting hospital ship "Peace Ark" witnesses China-India friendship and cooperation, and it is very humanistic for "Peace Ark" to provide medical service to the people all over the world".

For his part, Shen Hao, deputy commander and president of the marine hospital ship, said "The friendship of China and India will not only serve the fundamental interests of the two nations, but also benefits the peace and stability of the world."

The Chinese hospital ship's visit to Mumbai aims at contributing to cooperation between the two sides in non-traditional security and promoting traditional friendship between the two nations.