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Indian Navy Day: 04th December
Indian Navy Day: December 4th
Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4th to commemorate the achievements and role of the Indian Navy and, most significantly, to mark the anniversary of Operation Trident, a decisive naval action during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
The Historical Foundation: Operation Trident (1971)
The date December 4th was chosen to honor one of the most successful and daring naval operations in modern history: Operation Trident.
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Context: Hostilities between India and Pakistan intensified in late 1971. The Karachi Harbour served as the Pakistan Navy's headquarters and the hub of its maritime trade, making it a crucial strategic target.
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The Plan (Operation Trident): The Indian Navy planned a surprise offensive against the Karachi port. The attack was planned for the night, as the Pakistani Air Force lacked night-bombing capabilities.
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The 'Killer' Squadron: The task group consisted of three Vidyut-class missile boats—INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer—from the 25th 'Killer' Missile Boat Squadron, escorted by support vessels. This marked the first use of Soviet-made Styx anti-ship missiles in combat in the region.
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The Attack (Night of Dec 4-5, 1971): The Indian task group successfully launched its attack:
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INS Nirghat sank the Pakistani destroyer PNS Khaibar.
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INS Veer sank the minesweeper PNS Muhafiz.
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INS Nipat severely damaged the destroyer PNS Shah Jahan and sank the cargo vessel MV Venus Challenger (carrying ammunition). It also targeted and destroyed the Kemari oil storage tanks in the harbor, which burned for days.
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Outcome: Operation Trident was an overwhelming success for the Indian Navy, resulting in the sinking of four Pakistani vessels and the destruction of fuel storage, all with zero casualties or damage on the Indian side. This strategic blow crippled the Pakistan Navy's capabilities and morale.
Significance and Celebration
Indian Navy Day is a national observance that goes beyond commemorating the 1971 victory.
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Honoring the Martyrs: The day honours the valour, achievements, and dedication of all naval personnel who have served the nation, particularly those who made the supreme sacrifice in the 1971 war and other operations.
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Raising Public Awareness: The celebration aims to raise public awareness about the crucial role of the Navy in safeguarding India's extensive maritime borders, promoting international relations, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
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Navy Week: The celebrations often stretch into a Navy Week (traditionally December 1st to 7th). The main event typically moves its location across the three naval commands (Western, Eastern, and Southern) each year.
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Ceremonies and Demonstrations:
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A Wreath-Laying Ceremony is held at the respective Command's War Memorial to honour the fallen.
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The Navy showcases its operational capabilities through ship parades, air-sea rescue demonstrations, and static displays of warships, aircraft, and submarines.
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"Open Ship" events are often held, allowing the public, especially school children, to visit and tour naval vessels.
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Motto: The Indian Navy's official motto is "Sham No Varunah" (May the Lord of Water be auspicious unto us).
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Father of the Indian Navy: The Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is traditionally regarded as the "Father of the Indian Navy" for establishing a strong naval force in the 17th century to protect his coastline.
The Modern Indian Navy
The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces, led by the President of India as the Commander-in-Chief. Today, it is recognized as a formidable force, rapidly advancing its capabilities through indigenization (self-reliance in defense technology) and modernizing its fleet to secure national interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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