Navy Day: When Indian fleet overpowered Pakistan in Operation Trident of 1971

New Delhi: Navy Day in India is observed on 4 December every year to celebrate the achievements and role of the naval force to the country.

Why is it celebrated?

• Navy Day is celebrated to commemorate the courageous attack on the Karachi harbor during the Indo-Pakistan war (on December 4, 1971) by the Indian Naval missile boats under Operation Trident.
   
• It is also celebrated in the memory of the courage and strength of the martyrs of the Indian Navy that won the Indo-Pak war.
   
• Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels in the attack and ravaged the Karachi harbour fuel fields, killing over 500 Pakistani Navy personnel. 
   
• Missile boats INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer played a vital role in the war.
   
• 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.
   

Chiefs of and pay homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on the occasion of pic.twitter.com/KvSIoZv7g9

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy)

Celebrations 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the firsts on Twitter to pay their tributes to the naval force.

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"On Navy Day, my good wishes to all men and women of the Indian Navy. Nation is proud of your commitment to protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of humanitarian emergencies," their Commander-in-Chief tweeted.

On Navy Day, my good wishes to all men and women of the Indian Navy. Nation is proud of your commitment to protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of humanitarian emergencies

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)

"Navy Day greetings to all valorous personnel of the Indian Navy and their families. India is grateful to our Navy for protecting the nation and the commendable role the Navy plays during disaster relief," Prime Minister Modi said. 

Navy Day greetings to all valorous personnel of the Indian Navy and their families. India is grateful to our Navy for protecting the nation and the commendable role the Navy plays during disaster relief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

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