The Indian maritime forces on Tuesday, 4 December celebrated 'Beating Retreat' ceremony as part of the Navy Day celebrations at Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Navy Day is observed by the country to honour the maritime operation in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. During the war, three missile boats of the Indian Navy – INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer – played a pivotal role in the attack against four Pakistani vessels.
The attack also ravaged the Karachi harbour fuel fields that killed over 500 Pakistani Navy personnel. The theme for this year is ‘Indian Navy, Mission-deployed and Combat-ready.’
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the firsts on Twitter to pay their tributes to the naval force.
"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 Kovind tweeted.
"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," Modi said.
(With inputs from IANS)
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