Indian Navy Day 2024: Theme, Importance, and New Ships & Submarines

Indian Navy Day 2024 was on December 4 to celebrate some of the most prominent milestones in the Indian Navy's history, especially after its achievement through Operation Trident during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Operation Trident will always be remembered as an exemplary show of India's prowess in its naval power by demonstrating strategic attacking moves toward Karachi, which subsequently sent to their bottom several Pakistani ships including the PNS Khaibar. The day is marked for remembering past victories as much as for acknowledging the Navy's present inputs into defending India's maritime interest, which ensures national security.

Key Highlights for Indian Navy Day 2024

The theme for 2024 is "Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation." This theme has underlined the Navy's interest in self-reliance, particularly through technological upgradation. The Navy plans to enhance its operational capabilities while minimizing its dependence on foreign military inputs.

Celebrations: The main function will be held in Puri, Odisha. President Droupadi Murmu is the chief guest. The celebrations will have the following:

• Naval parades featuring 24 ships and submarines.
• Aerial displays by over 40 aircraft, including MiG-29K and Hawk fighter jets.
• Demonstrations of submarine operations and amphibious landings by Marine Commandos (MARCOS).
• A traditional Beating the Retreat Ceremony followed by a drone-and-laser show

Public Outreach: The Indian Navy will engage the public through various activities, such as social media campaigns, quizzes, and open ship visits, to help citizens learn about naval operations and capabilities.

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Importance of Indian Navy Day

Indian Navy Day has several objectives:

• It pays tribute to the valour and commitment of naval personnel who safeguard India's long coastline and crucial maritime trade routes.
• It focuses on the maritime security aspect of upholding peace in the Indian Ocean region.
• It contextualizes the Naval efforts to humanitarian causes, therefore evidencing that beyond military service, its potential can be worked upon.
  
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In 2024, the Indian Navy is set to enhance its capabilities with the commissioning of several new ships and submarines.

New Ships and Submarines

• INS Surat (Guided Missile Destroyer)

• Class: Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B)
• Details: The largest of the new inductions, INS Surat is equipped with advanced weaponry including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles. It is designed for multi-role operations and is likely to be commissioned by December 2024.

• INS Vagsheer (Submarine)

• Class: Kalvari-class
• Details: This submarine is the sixth and final vessel in the Kalvari class, enhancing the Indian Navy's sub-surface warfare capabilities. It is also scheduled for induction by the end of 2024.

• INS Tushil (Stealth Frigate)

• Origin: Built in Russia
• Details: This frigate has completed all trials and will be inducted as part of a deal for four stealth frigates between India and Russia. INS Tushil is expected to join the fleet in December 2024.

• INS Nilgiri (Frigate)

• Class: Project 17A
• Details: This indigenous frigate will also be part of the new inductions, contributing to India's growing naval capabilities.

This day marks the observance of the very aspect that forces the naval departments to realize that without their contributions, the national defence can fall short, developing a sense of pride among citizens and educating younger generations about maritime security.

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