4 December – Indian Navy Day

The Indian Navy is one of the most powerful and vital pillars of India’s defence system and is counted among the world’s top ten strongest naval forces. According to various global rankings in 2025, the Indian Navy stands between 4th and 7th place among the world’s most powerful navies.

India currently operates around 140 warships, including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, amphibious vessels, and submarines, along with over 250 naval aircraft and helicopters. The Navy comprises nearly 1.5 lakh uniformed personnel, making it one of the most capable maritime forces in the region.

In South Asia, the Indian Navy is regarded as the most powerful and influential naval force. Its primary responsibilities include the protection of India’s maritime borders, safeguarding the nation’s commercial sea routes, and defending the country from any sudden threats.

To honour the courage, capability and sacrifices of the Indian Navy and its brave martyrs, Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4 December. The historical reason behind celebrating this day is the decisive victory achieved during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Why Navy Day is Celebrated on 4 December

On 3 December 1971, Pakistan launched an unexpected attack on India. In response, the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy created a coordinated strategy known as Operation Trident, under which the Indian Navy was assigned the responsibility of maritime operations.

On the night of 4 December 1971, the Indian Navy carried out a historic attack on Pakistan’s most important naval base — Karachi Harbour. Using anti-ship missiles, the Navy destroyed three major Pakistani warships, set ablaze oil depots and tankers inside the harbour, and caused fires that burned for seven days, with smoke spreading up to 60 km.

Operation Trident remains one of the most successful naval operations in India’s history. The victory not only delivered a powerful response to Pakistan but also showcased India’s naval strength and strategic capability to the world.

Navy Day Celebrations

On this day, tributes are paid to the martyrs, and the Navy’s progress and achievements are presented to the nation. The President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, addresses the Navy with pride and honour.

This year, President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at the spectacular operational demonstration at Shanghumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram.
During the event, 19 major warships—including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, a submarine, four fast attack crafts—and 32 aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters, will showcase the Navy’s strength.

Theme of Indian Navy Day 2025

The theme for Navy Day 2025 is:

“Ready to Fight, United and Self-Reliant”

This theme highlights readiness for battle, unity, and self-reliance. Under this vision, the operational demonstration will prominently feature indigenous platforms, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ and strengthening India’s goal of self-reliance in defence.