These meetings and functions were in December 1987. The western fleet had planned its naval exercises with the aircraft carrier much in advance in the yearly exercise programme to be held in that part of the Arabian Sea. This was an opportunity for the officers and men to interact with their PM. He addressed the men, had 'bada khaana' as per the custom. I then hosted a dinner for the Prime Minister that night. And there is a photograph to confirm this."

Rajiv Gandhi during a dinner hosted by Admiral Ramdas onboard INS Viraat.

Admiral Ramdos confirmed that no ships were specially diverted for the personal use of Gandhi family. Only one small helicopter was left at Kavratti to meet any medical requirements of the PM and his wife.

The IndiaToday magazine report that PM Modi shared on social media to attack the Gandhi family says Rajiv Gandhi and his family were accompanied by Amitabh Bachchan and his family. "The only other Indian guests were the wife and daughter of Bijendra Singh, brother of former Union minister Arun Singh. Two other foreigners completed the party," the India Today report says.

"Questionable actions were, however, in evidence. India's premier warship, INS Viraat, was used to transport the Gandhis and moved in the Arabian Sea for 10 days. Its daily expenditure at sea is astronomical as the Viraat travels with an entire retinue of escort ships. A submarine was also reported to be in attendance and some defence experts questioned the justification of depriving the navy of its most effective fighting