The Indian Navy has officially commissioned its latest naval base, INS Aravali, located in Gurugram, marking a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities in information dominance. The event, attended by several high-ranking officials including Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, was underscored by a ceremonial 50-men Guard of Honour.
The ceremony commenced with Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, the inaugural Commanding Officer of INS Aravali, leading a Sanskrit invocation before the commissioning warrant was formally read out. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the commissioning plaque by Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA). This was followed by a proud moment where the Navy ensign was hoisted as the National Anthem played, culminating in the raising of the commissioning pennant.
Among the attendees were notable figures including Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, along with senior naval officers and distinguished guests.
During his address, Admiral Tripathi emphasized the strategic importance of INS Aravali. He articulated that the base will provide essential administrative and logistical support, transforming it into a hub for technological integration and collaboration with various platforms and partners at sea. Reflecting on national priorities, he linked the establishment of the new base to the Prime Minister’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. He reiterated that this initiative will enhance India’s stature as a Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
Admiral Tripathi also congratulated the commissioning crew, urging them to embody the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they strive for excellence through information dominance.
INS Aravali derives its name from the resilient Aravali mountain range and is set to play a pivotal role in bolstering the Navy’s information and communication networks, which are integral to India’s Command, Control, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework. The base’s guiding motto, ‘सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं’ (Maritime Security through Collaboration), is a testament to India’s commitment to seamless operations with naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders.
The crest of INS Aravali, showcasing the Aravali mountains alongside a rising sun, symbolizes strength, vigilance, resilience, and the dawn of enhanced technological capabilities. With this commissioning, the Indian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests through advanced communication and information-driven operations.
