India celebrates its 49th Navy day on 04th December 2020. On this occasion, homage was paid to the martyrs, parades and military shows were organized, and awards were distributed. The day has been marked in the memory of the launch of Operation Trident during the Indo-Pak war on 1971, and as a mark of reverence to those who were martyred in the war.
The Navy also organises a Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony at Gateway of India, Mumbai on the eve of the Navy Day. The ceremony is largely focused on general public wherein the Indian Naval Band performs across venues in the city between Gateway of India and Radio Club.
The operation was conducted on the night of 4–5 December when the Indian Navy launched a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters in Karachi. In the attack, the Indian side, consisting of 3 Vidyut class missile boats (INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer) , 2 anti-submarines and a tanker, sank four Pakistani vessels and ravaged the Karachi harbour fuel fields killing over 500 Pakistani Navy personnel. The Indian side suffered no losses.
Operation Trident saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region. Operation Trident was followed up with another attack by the Indian Navy, code-named Operation Python. After being surprised by the belligerence of Indian Navy by the first attack, the Pakistani side increased the surveillance along its coasts so as to identify and thwart any further offensive of the Indian Navy.
On the intervening nights of December 8-9, the Indian side launched Operation Python when it sent a strike group consisting of one missile boat and two frigates that attacked a group of Pakistani vessels off the coast of Karachi who were trying to outmaneuver the Indin side by mixing with merchant ships. Again, India did not suffer any losses in the offensive and managed to damage Pakistani fleet tanker PNS Dacca beyond repair while causing them to lose the Kemari Oil Storage facility as well.
To commemorate this significant day and to enhance general awareness about the Indian Navy, a host of community outreach activities, fanfare and elaborated ceremonials are conducted by the Indian Navy every year. However, due to the prevalent COVID-19 pandemic situation and associated restrictions, the events planned for the Navy Day this year have been curtailed. This year’s planned activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include the traditional Wreath Laying Ceremony at the war memorial to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war and all bravehearts who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of this great nation.
The ‘Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive’ Indian Navy is unflinchingly committed towards safeguarding the maritime interests of India and re-dedicates itself to the service of the nation and its people on the occasion of the Navy Day 2020.
4th Dec Indian Navy Day has been marked in the memory of the launch of Operation Trident during Indo-Pak war in 1971, & as a mark of reverence to those who were martyred in the war.
— SSBCrackExams (@SSBCrackExams) December 4, 2020
The ‘Combat Ready, Credible & Cohesive’ Indian Navy is committed towards safeguarding the Nation. pic.twitter.com/qIZB5WpBgy
