INDIAN NAVY TO CONDUCT OPERATIONAL DEMONSTRATION ON NAVY DAY TO MARK THE 1971 WAR

Delhi, 4 December: Later on Sunday, as part of Navy Day festivities, the Indian Navy will conduct a "Operational Demonstration" in Visakhapatnam to showcase the country's combat skills and capabilities. Navy Day celebrations are being held outside of the National Capital this year for the first time. The capacity and adaptability of the Indian Navy would be displayed by ships, submarines, planes, and Special Forces from the Eastern, Western, and Southern Naval Commands.

The ceremony at dusk and the illumination of ships at anchorage will mark the event's conclusion. For "Operation Demonstrations," the Indian Navy will commemorate its involvement in the 1971 Pakistan War. The Navy Day ceremony honours the accomplishments of the Indian Navy in "Operation Trident," which took place during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. 

Droupadi Murmu, the President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will attend the ceremony as a guest of honour. Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will serve as the event's host, and a number of dignitaries from the federal and state governments are anticipated. The activities of Navy Day are intended to encourage broader outreach, revive maritime awareness among our citizens, and showcase the Navy's contributions to national security.

At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed all members of the navy and their families. In a tweet, PM Modi said: "Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history. The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Navy by tweeting: "Greetings to all @IndianNavy personnel on #NavyDay. The Indian Navy is at the forefront of keeping our country safe by ensuring impeccable maritime security. The nation is proud of Indian Navy’s valour, courage, commitment and professionalism."

The Indian Navy spokesperson said, "We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to preserve, protect & promote our National Interests & to remain a #CombatReady #Credible #Cohesive & #FutureProof Force. We pay homage to supreme sacrifices of our bravehearts & gratitude to our veterans".

In response to a Pakistani onslaught against Indian airbases at the western boundary, three Indian missile boats targeted the Pakistani port of Karachi as part of Operation "Trident," which was undertaken by the Indian Navy during the 1971 War. Numerous Pakistani servicemen were killed as a result of the Indian naval attack, which resulted in the loss of four Pakistani ships. 

Millions of East Pakistani (modern-day Bangladesh) refugees fleeing persecution by Pakistani troops quelling an independence movement brought about India's entry into the conflict. In the end, Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister of India, gave the order for a military intervention.