Every 4th of December, the Indian nation comes together to celebrate Navy Day. This annual event represents a significant mark of respect for the valiant counter-attack launched by our naval forces in Operation Trident during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
The Foundations of the Indian Navy and its Theme for the Year
The roots of the Indian Navy can be traced back to 1612, where it was initially established by the East India Company. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of India’s astounding victory in the 1971 war, the Navy has chosen the theme “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” for this year’s celebrations.
Operation Trident: An Innovative Naval Attack
Operation Trident stood out as a key military intervention during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. It was an aggressive counter-offensive undertaken by the Indian Navy which targeted the Karachi harbour in Pakistan. The operation marked India’s first use of anti-ship missiles, resulting in the destruction of the Pakistani destroyer ship, PNS Khaibar. Three notable Indian warships – INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer – were integral in ensuring the attack’s success.
Leadership and Motto of the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy operates under the Supreme Commander, who is none other than the President of India. Its Motto, ‘Sam no Varunah’ (शं नो वरूण:), is a plea for the God of water, Varuna, to be auspicious unto us.
The Indian Navy: Early Operations and Growth
Apart from major wars, the Indian Navy has been instrumental in several early operations. This includes the liberation of Goa from Portuguese control in 1961. Over the years, it has grown into a formidable maritime force with significant achievements such as the construction of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant and several other ships.
Current Fleet and Capabilities of the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy’s armada boasts of an impressive aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, which is a former Russian ship commissioned into service in 2013. It operates three classes of submarines: Chakra, housing the nuclear-powered INS Chakra, Sindhughosh, and Shishumar. The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 1, named INS Vikrant, has also recently embarked on sea trials, marking one of the last phases before commissioning.
MARCOS: The Special Force of the Indian Navy
The Marine Commandos (MARCOS) represent the special force unit of the Indian Navy. They are highly-trained experts capable of conducting amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism activities, special reconnaissance, hostage rescue operations, and asymmetric warfare. Notably, they were the first responders during the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.