Indian Navy Day, celebrated annually on December 4, honors the valor, commitment, and sacrifices of India’s naval forces. This year’s celebrations commemorates the anniversary of “Operation Trident”, a daring and successful mission carried out during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. On Dec 4. 1971, the Indian Navy executed a surprise attack on Karachi, targeting Pakistan’s key port and crippled Pakistan’s naval forces.

Indian Navy Day celebrations are being held in Puri, Odisha, with President Droupadi Murmu gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, will lead the event. The ceremony will showcase the Indian Navy’s technological advancements and operational excellence, reinforcing its critical role in safeguarding India’s maritime borders. It will serve as a reminder of the Navy’s relentless pursuit of innovation and self-reliance in bolstering national defense.

Emphasizing the importance of Indian Navy Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X, “This year marks the anniversary of Operation Trident, a landmark naval mission carried out during the 1971 Indo-Pak war that showcased the strategic brilliance of the Indian Navy.”

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his heartfelt greetings, saying, “As the country celebrates Navy Day today, I extend my greetings and warm wishes to all Indian Navy personnel and their families. The Indian Navy is an important pillar in the national Maritime Security. Our Navy plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, secure, and stable seas, as the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.”

The theme for Indian Navy Day 2024, “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” reflects the Navy’s ongoing focus on enhancing its defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology and self-reliance. The Navy’s commitment to indigenisation is evident in its development of advanced ships, submarines, and aircraft, strengthening India’s strategic defense posture.