Oral History and Military Publishing

Interesting facts about the Indian Navy

PostPicture Credits: joinindiannavy.gov.in

The Indian Navy is one of the most formidable naval forces in the world, with a long and illustrious history spanning more than 350 years. Over the years, the Navy has played a crucial role in safeguarding India's maritime interests, both during times of war and peace.

Here are some interesting facts about the Indian Navy that you may not know:

  1. The Indian Navy was established in 1612 by the East India Company. It was known as the East India Company's Marine and was tasked with protecting British merchant ships from pirates and other threats.
  2. During World War II, the Navy played a vital role in the Allied war effort, escorting convoys across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It also played a key role in the Burma campaign, providing support to the British and Indian armies.
  3. The Indian Navy's motto is "Sham No Varunah," which means "May the Lord of the Ocean be auspicious unto us." The motto reflects the Navy's commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests and upholding its traditions and values.
  4. The Navy has a fleet of more than 150 ships, including submarines, destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers. Its flagship is the INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
  5. The Indian Navy's submarine fleet is one of the most potent in the world, with 15 submarines, including nuclear-powered submarines. It also has the distinction of being the only navy in the world to have operated both a leased nuclear-powered submarine from Russia and an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine.
  6. It is one of the few navies in the world to have a dedicated marine commando unit, known as the MARCOS. The MARCOS are trained in combat diving, underwater demolition, and guerrilla warfare, and are deployed on a wide range of missions, including counter-terrorism, special operations, and hostage rescue.
  7. The Navy also has a rich sporting tradition, with its sailors excelling in a variety of sports, including sailing, rowing, and shooting. In fact, it has won several medals at the Olympics and other international sporting events.
  8. In 2019, the Indian Navy launched the INS Khanderi, the second Scorpene-class submarine built under the government's Make in India initiative. The INS Khanderi is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and is capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
  9. The Navy also operates a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft. Its maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8I, is one of the most advanced in the world and is equipped with sophisticated sensors and weapons systems for detecting and tracking enemy submarines and ships.
  10. Finally, the Indian Navy is also actively involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. It has provided assistance to several countries in the aftermath of natural disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, and the 2018 floods in Kerala.

In conclusion, the Indian Navy is a force to be reckoned with, with a long and proud history and a commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests. With its modern and sophisticated fleet, highly trained personnel, and dedication to excellence, the Indian Navy is poised to play a critical role in the region and beyond for years to come.