Along with the other participants, Prime Minister Modi watched the Navy’s ships, submarines, panels, and special forces conduct an operational demonstration from Sindhudurg’s Tarkarli beach. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the Navy Day celebration in the vicinity of Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra. Additionally, he participated in naval vessels, submarines, planes, and special forces operational demonstrations from the beach.
The Navy Day celebration was held outside of a major naval station for the first time. Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja in 1660, Sindhudurg Fort is a testament to India’s illustrious maritime heritage. PM Modi unveiled a 43-foot statue of Shivaji at Rajkot Fort as part of the celebration. Celebrating Navy Day from the “victorious land” of Sindhudurg, according to the prime minister, is a source of great pride. According to Modi, the world is witnessing the emergence of an India “Vishwa Mitra,” or friend of the world, and initiatives like the India-Middle East European Corridor will revive the once-lost spice route.
Every Indian citizen is proud of the Sindhudurg Fort, which is a testament to Shivaji’s foresight in realizing the importance of naval capabilities for any nation. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Maratha warriors such as Kanhoji Agre, Mayaji Naik Bhatkar, and Hiroji Indulkar and reiterated Shivaji’s acclamation that those who have control over the seas hold the ultimate power. The new epaulettes worn by naval officers will now highlight Shivaji’s heritage and legacy, as they will resemble the naval ensign.
Additionally, PM Modi congratulated the Indian Navy on its selection of the country’s first female commanding officer aboard a naval vessel.
The Prime Minister stated that India’s greatest strength is the trust of its 140 million citizens, as the country sets high standards and works tirelessly to meet them. People are motivated by the idea of putting “nation first,” according to the Prime Minister. Today, the nation is working hard to create a blueprint for a promising future, drawing inspiration from its past. People have vowed to overcome the politics of negativity in order to advance in every field. He continued, We will move forward as a developed India with this pledge.
The Prime Minister asserted that Indian history includes triumphs, bravery, science, inventiveness, and India’s maritime prowess, in addition to slavery, losses, and disappointments. He demonstrated India’s capability by citing the construction of forts like Sindhudurg, which were built during a time of limited resources and technology. Additionally, Modi claimed that foreign powers had initially targeted India’s maritime might and that the nation, which was well-known for producing ships and boats, has lost control of the sea and, consequently, its strategic and economic might. The prime minister emphasized the extraordinary push the government has given the blue economy.
The capabilities of Indian Naval ships, submarines, planes, helicopters, and Special Forces were displayed during the Operational Demonstration. Over forty aircraft, including the newly introduced multi-mission helicopter MH 60 R, the indigenous LCA Navy, MIG 29 K, and the Advanced Light Helicopter, participated in the event, which was attended by over fifteen major and minor warships. In attendance were Governor Ramesh Bais of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra, and Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan. Every year on December 4, Indian Navy Day is observed to honor the beginning of Operation Trident, which was launched against Pakistan during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Pakistan did not have aircraft capable of carrying out nighttime bombings, so the Indian Navy planned the attack on December 4, 1971, late at night.
