Indian Navy Day is celebrated annually on December 4 to recognize and honor the critical role played by the Indian Navy during Operation Trident in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. This day is a tribute to the valor, sacrifice, and dedication of navy personnel who safeguarded the nation’s maritime borders and contributed to India’s victory.
Significance of Navy Day
The observance of Indian Navy Day aims to:
- Educate citizens and students about the Indian Navy’s contribution to national security.
- Commemorate the sacrifices of navy personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
- Celebrate the success of Operation Trident, one of the most decisive naval actions in Indian history.
Operation Trident: A Landmark Victory
During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Pakistan launched a surprise attack on December 3, targeting Indian air bases. In response, the Indian Navy executed a counter-offensive on the night of December 4-5, as Pakistan lacked the aerial capability to defend its naval assets.
- The Indian Navy targeted Karachi, the nerve center of Pakistan’s naval operations.
- Three missile boats—INS Veer, INS Nipat, and INS Nirghat—along with Vidyut-class boats, launched a surprise assault.
- The attack resulted in the sinking of three Pakistani naval ships, including PNS Khaibar, and inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani forces.
- Hundreds of Pakistani naval personnel were killed.
- The operation was led by Commodore Kasargod Pattana Shetty Gopal Rao, whose leadership was instrumental in achieving this historic victory.
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