The Indian Navy has bid farewell to INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class, during a solemn ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard on the evening of December 19, 2025. This event marks the conclusion of a distinguished 40-year career serving the nation and strengthening maritime security.
The decommissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The submarine was officially decommissioned under the command of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma, who oversaw the farewell for this significant naval asset.
Adding historical context to the proceedings, Captain KR Ajrekar (Retd), the submarine’s second Commanding Officer, attended as the Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the submarine’s legacy and the emotional weight of the occasion.
The ceremony drew a notable assembly of dignitaries, including Admiral VS Shekhawat (Retd), a former Chief of the Naval Staff, alongside various Flag Officers, former Commanding Officers, members of the original commissioning crew, veterans, and senior naval officers. This gathering highlighted not only the submarine’s operational history but also the deep bonds formed over decades of service.
Commissioned in 1985, INS Sindhughosh played a crucial role in enhancing India’s underwater combat abilities. Throughout her service life, the submarine made significant contributions to maritime deterrence and operational preparedness, solidifying her place in the annals of the Indian Navy’s history.
The decommissioning of INS Sindhughosh signals the closing of a proud chapter in India’s submarine legacy, coinciding with the Navy’s ongoing transition towards more advanced and indigenous underwater platforms, paving the way for a new era in naval defense capabilities.
