Indian Navy to showcase its fighting skills in memory of Operation Trident

The Indian Navy is all set to demonstrate the country’s combat prowess and capability through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ at Visakhapatnam on Sunday on the occasion of Navy Day.

India celebrates December 4 as Navy Day every year to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The day has great significance in the history of the nation and the Indian Navy as it marks a decisive victory for India when the missile boats of the India Navy during Operation Trident, in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, successfully fired their missiles onto ships, oil installations and shore defence installations of Pakistan at Karachi.

During the 1971 operations, the Indian Navy sank many Pakistani ships carrying war sustenance efforts and critical stores. Fighter aircraft from the deck of the INS Vikrant, struck at enemy harbours and airfields at Chittagong and Khulna, destroying ships, defence facilities and installations. Both the missile strikes at Karachi and air strikes from Vikrant led to the defeat of Pakistani Forces in the then East Pakistan.

Traditionally, the Navy Day celebrations – aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst citizens and highlighting the Navy’s contributions towards national security – are conducted in New Delhi in the presence of the President and other dignitaries.

However, this year, Navy Day Celebrations are being conducted outside the national capital for the first time with President Droupadi Murmu witnessing the Visakhapatnam event as the Guest of Honour as India ushers in the ‘Amrit Kaal’.

Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft and Special Forces from Eastern, Western and Southern Naval Command would showcase the capability and versatility of Indian Navy with the event culminating with a sunset ceremony and illumination by ships at anchorage.

Several dignitaries from the Central and State governments are also expected to attend the event, which will be hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff.

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