India
In 1971, the Indian Navy attempted what has been touted as one of the world’s most daring war strategies — Operation Trident
Updated : Dec 16, 2018, 05:45 AM IST
Vijay Diwas is celebrated to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Having been part of the naval operations at that time, it would only be fitting to talk about Admiral SM Nanda, who spearheaded the attack. Way back in 1969, as Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Western Naval Command at Mumbai, Nanda had remarked in an interview that “although the Indian navy had played no significant role in the 1965 conflict, if war comes again, he would set Karachi on fire.” It was this line of thinking which guided the Planners of Operations at Naval Headquarters.
During the 1971 war, Admiral Nanda and his team spent long hours in the War Room at Naval Headquarters analysing Pakistani military thinking, anticipating moves, evaluating intelligence inputs, revising and updating strategy and refining plans for a two-front war. Ships were made to carry out extensive workups at sea, often witnessed by the navy chief himself. The Indian Navy made maritime history in 1971 with its bold and resolute planning and fearless actions. It contributed significantly to India’s victory in 1971. Its achievements were hailed by the entire nation, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and other leaders.
One could say our Navy came of age in the 1971 War. Since then, it has grown in strength and size. It is now a very potent missile-equipped force, which enables democratic India to reassure the region of peace and stability.
(Retd) Commander Arun Saigal was commissioned into the executive branch of the Indian Navy in 1969. As a young officer, he was posted on a frontline warship, which saw action in the Arabian Sea in 1971.
Script by (Retd) Commander Arun Saigal; — illustration: Abhirup Datta
The annual navy day (Dec 4) celebrates the members, families and martyrs of the marine division
WARRIORS OF WATER : 60,000-odd personnel, an aircraft carrier, a big transport dock, 153 frigates, 8 guided missile destroyers, 24 corvettes, 13 conventional submarines, 1 nuclear attack submarine, 30 patrol vessels, and 7 mine countermeasure vessels make the Indian Naval Force
EARLY HISTORY : The history of the Indian Navy can be traced back to 1612 when Captain Thomas Best encountered and defeated the Portuguese. This encounter, as also the trouble caused by the pirates, forced the British East India Company to maintain a small fleet at Swally, near Surat. The First Squadron of fighting ships arrived on 5 September 1612, forming what was then called the Honourable East India Company’s Marine.
Source: Indian Navy (indiannavy.nic.in)
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