Indian Navy Day: When Indian Troops Triumphed Over Karachi Naval Base in 'Operation Trident' of 1971

Navy day is observed on 4th of December every year to celebrate the achievements, and role of the naval force in protecting and guarding the the country.

Why is Navy Day celebrated on December 4th?

Navy Day is celebrated in memory of the strength and bravery of the Indian Navy who won the Indo-Pak war in 1971. Under the 'Operation Trident', the Indian Navy attacked Pakistan's Karachi naval base on December 4, 1971. Keeping in mind the success of this operation, Navy Day is celebrated every year on this day.

In the attack, the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels and ravaged the Karachi harbour fuel fields, killing over 500 Pakistani Navy personnel.

Three missile boats of the Indian Navy, INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, played a pivotal role in the attack. Around 2 pm on December 4, 1971, Indian Navy's fleet sailed from Okha Port in Gujarat, towards Pakistani waters following orders to attack the Karachi port, the stronghold of the Pakistani Navy. As the Indian Navy advanced, Pakistani vessels too approached to defend the Karachi harbour, INS Veer fired its first missile onto Pakistani vessel Muhafiz, a minesweeper, sinking it with the entire crew

Celebrations 2018

The Navy put up an impressive show of skill amid a sea of colours at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, ahead of the Navy Day celebrations of Tuesday. A Navy helicopter hovered slowly over the monument, lit in the colours of the national flag, while soldiers in white uniform marched below in a rehearsal of the Beating of the Retreat ceremony.

The Indian Navy of the 21st century is emerging as a formidable force likely to influence the Indian Ocean Region.