Invoking ‘Varuna’ (God of the Ocean) for all-round development of the country, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said she was confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security of the nation.
Murmu, the supreme commander of the country’s defence forces, said this during the Navy Day celebrations at the Blu Flag Beach in Odisha’s Puri.
Noting that India’s economy is growing, and the country’s interests and influence is expanding across the globe, the President said: “I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security, essential to enable our rise to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“The seamless integration of advanced technology, tactical acumen and sheer courage on display in the Operational Demonstration aptly showcase the evolution of our Navy into a combat-ready, future-ready and credible force.”
Murmu said with 63 ships being built in India, the Navy’s focus to be an ‘Atmanirbhar’ force by 2047 provides inspiration to all to pursue innovation in ‘Mission Mode.’
“It is a matter of pride for every Indian that we are today one of only six nations in the world that have the capability to design, build and operate both a Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine and an Aircraft Carrier,” she pointed out.
The President praised the Navy's efforts in empowering women and acknowledged its pivotal role in India's victory in the 1971 war. She also lauded the Navy’s growth and capabilities, noting that India's maritime history spans over 5,000 years.
While wishing all personnel of the force on the occasion of Navy Day, she said the day is observed to celebrate India’s glorious victory in the 1971 war, and commemorate the selfless service and supreme sacrifices made by naval personnel in defence of the motherland.
She also commended the Navy’s pioneering efforts in providing appropriate growth avenues to ‘Nari Shakti’, mentioning that it was the first service to induct women Agniveers.
Murmu said two women naval officers — Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa — provide the best example of this new paradigm, as they circumnavigate the globe in INSV Tarini as part of the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’.
“I wish the Indian Navy the very best for all future endeavours. May the God of the Oceans be auspicious unto us. May the Indian Navy always be victorious,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi said several achievements have elevated its status with presence across the ocean.
“At the same time, our bilateral and multilateral engagements have enhanced cooperation with other navies and reinforced India’s image as a responsible partner towards securing security and growth for all in the region,” he said.
“We assure our supreme commander and all our fellow citizens that your Navy stands as a combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-ready force to safeguard India’s maritime interest, anytime, anywhere and anyhow,” Admiral Tripathi asserted.
Murmu was among thousands of spectators at the action-packed Navy Day celebrations, where it showcased maritime capabilities, air power and operational excellence.
The event, marking the first Navy Day celebration on the eastern coast, featured an impressive operational demonstration by its personnel, highlighting the strength and versatility of India's naval fleet. The occasion commemorates the strategic victories during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Altogether, 15 warships, 37 aircraft and a submarine participated in the operation demonstration, featuring breathtaking maneuvers such as aerial dominance by fighter jets, combat free falls, slithering operations by MARCOS, submarine displays and rocket firing by warships.
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