Navy day is observed on December 4 every year to commemorate the launch of Operation Trident against Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
December 4, it was on this day nearly five decades ago in 1971, the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar as part of the Operation Trident in the Indo-Pak War, killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel. Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4 to recognise the role and achievements of the Indian Navy.
Navy Day is celebrated to invoke the memory of the launch of Operation Trident during the Indo-Pak War in 1971. The day is celebrated as a mark of reverence and admiration to those who were martyred in the war. The day is also celebrated to honour the Bravehearts of the Indian Navy for their selfless service to the nation.
Indian Navy Day 2020 theme:
Each year the Navy Day is celebrated with a set theme and the theme of 2020 Indian Navy Day is “Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive”. Indian Navy is one of the strongest maritime forces in the world. It is the seventh strongest naval force in the world with 67,252 active and 55,000 reserve personnel in service as of June 2019.
During a press conference on the eve of Navy Day, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said, “India is currently fighting with COVID-19 pandemic and is engaged in a standoff at the northern border with China, but they are ready to face both the challenges.”
Evolution of Indian Navy:
The Indian Navy was established in 1612 by the East India Company. This was later named Royal India Navy and post-Independence, it was reconstituted in 1950 as the Indian Navy.
History of Indian Navy Day:
In India, Navy Day is celebrated to remember and recognise the courageous attack on the Karachi border during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War that took place on December 4. Back in 1971 on this day, the Indian Navy’s attack on Karachi harbour contributed to the ultimate victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
The day is to celebrate the memory of the launch of Operation Trident and to remember the fact that how Indian Navy pulled off one of its greatest victories. India has a rich history of naval warfare. In fact, Indian ships have always made their presence felt. This tradition of remarkable military exploits has continued even post-independence, with the Indian Navy playing a key role in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
It was on December 4 when the Indian Navy launched a deadly attack during Operation Trident, on Karachi Harbour at the time of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar and PNS Shah Jahan killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel.
The three Vidyut class missile boats of the Indian Navy, INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, all played a pivotal role during the 1971 War. With no damage to the Indian naval ships and no casualties on the Indian side, the War of 1971 is remembered as the most successful attack launched by the Indian Navy. And therefore, to celebrate the triumph of the Indian Navy, every year December 4 is observed as Indian Navy day.
50th Anniversary of 1971 war:
The year 2021 is going to be celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s victory in the 1971 War against Pakistan. On the occasion of Indian Navy Day, the country is singing the praises to those Bravehearts of the Navy who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who still serve the nation selflessly. Navy Day 2020 is being considered very important and special as the Navy is to commemorate the golden jubilee of India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.