Navy Day: Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to recognise the achievements of the country’s naval force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Navy Day celebrations at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra where the forces will conduct an operational demonstration. The date holds a historical significance as it commemorates 'Operation Trident' carried out during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The Prime Minister extended greetings on the occasion and said that the commitment of Indian Navy to safeguarding the country's waters is a testament of their dedication to the country.
"On Navy Day, best wishes to all the personnel of the Indian Navy. Their commitment to safeguarding our seas is a testament to their unwavering dedication to duty and love for our nation. In every circumstance, their spirit and resolve remain unshakable. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifices," PM Modi posted on X.
"I look forward to joining the Navy Day programme at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra later today. This place has a close association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose efforts to build a strong navy are well known," he added.
Significance of ‘Operation Trident’
On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched an attack on the Indian air bases.
“In response to their offensive attacks, the Indian Navy planned an attack on the night of December 4& 5, as Pakistan didn’t have the aircraft to carry out bombings.The Indian Navy targeted the Pakistan Naval Headquarters of Karachi during Operation Trident. It launched three missile boats INS Veer, INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and Vidyut-class boats, towards Karachi and sank three Pakistani Navy ships, including PNS Khaibar. There were Hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel killed during the attack commodore Kasargod Pattana Shetty Gopal Rao led the whole operation of the Indian Navy. To Celebrate the success of the Indian Navy, Indian Navy Day is observed in the whole county,” Ministry of Tourism website said.
Theme of Indian Navy Day 2023
The theme of this year’s Navy Day is ‘Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain’.
Last year, the theme was ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ which marked the 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war.
How is Navy Day celebrated?
The occasion is celebrated by organising events across naval bases and significant military establishments in the country. Parades are held and naval advanced capabilities are put on display, which is telecast live on television, for the countrymen. The entire show presents the Indian Navy’s prowess as an advanced armed force of the country. The event is attended by top brass of the armed forces.
20 warships will participate along with 40 aircraft which comprise MiG-29K and LCA Navy.
"This is the first time that the Indian Navy will be organising a mega event that is not taking place at any major naval station. The location of the Sindhudurg Fort is 550 km from Mumbai and about 135 km from the naval station at Goa. All out efforts have been made by the Navy, along with the state government and local administration, to showcase these events," the Navy said in a statement.
