- High-impact operational demo puts India’s multidimensional maritime power on full display on the western seaboard
- INS Surat, INS Vibhuti, INS Karuva and INS Kondul illuminate Porbandar skyline, symbolising expanding blue-water capability
- Women Agniveers, naval aviators, frontline craft and elite crews thrill crowds with precision manoeuvres and weapon drills
- Ceremonial finale underlines the Navy’s unbroken commitment to honour, duty, national security and Gujarat’s maritime legacy
NE DEFENC BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 8
The Indian Navy delivered a power-packed Operational Demonstration at Porbandar as part of Navy Week 2025, presenting its full-spectrum maritime prowess to citizens, dignitaries and students of Gujarat. The showcase opened with the arrival of senior civil and defence officials, followed by Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, who graced the event as Chief Guest. A crisp, rhythmic March Past by Naval platoons, Defence Security Corps personnel, and NCC Girl and Boy Cadets set the momentum, reflecting the discipline, precision and professionalism that define India’s maritime force.
A sequence of action-oriented at-sea displays underscored the Navy’s high operational readiness along the western seaboard. Fast Interceptor Crafts and Fast Attack Craft executed rapid, high-speed manoeuvres that demonstrated sharp agility and quick-response capability. Coordinated GEMINI boat formations further highlighted seamless teamwork and impeccable precision. A crowd favourite, the exhilarating flypast by Dornier aircraft of INAS 314 drew loud applause as aircraft performed flawless passes over the Porbandar waterfront.
Warships of the Gujarat Naval Area—including newly inducted platforms INS Surat, INS Vibhuti, INS Karuva and INS Kondul—were illuminated as dusk fell, creating a stirring tableau of India’s growing naval strength and constant maritime vigilance.
Cultural and ceremonial elements added vibrancy to the high-energy operations. The Indian Naval Band, a spirited Hornpipe dance by Sea Cadet Corps cadets and performances by students of Navy Children School Porbandar celebrated India’s rich maritime heritage. Displays by Agniveers, including women Agniveers, earned special acclaim as they showcased weapon-handling skills and drill movements with confidence, precision and poise.
Earlier open-ship engagements enabled schoolchildren, NCC cadets, Gujarat Maritime Board representatives and civil officials to step aboard naval platforms and interact with sailors—strengthening the civil–military connect and inspiring future generations.
As twilight deepened, the Colours Ceremony and Continuity Drill concluded the event with solemn dignity, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to honour, duty and selfless service. The evening also highlighted the Navy’s deep bond with the people of Gujarat—a region whose maritime legacy spans from the ancient dockyard of Lothal to today’s strategic operational hub at Porbandar.
