On December 4, 2024, the Indian Navy will conduct an extraordinary operational demonstration at Blue Flag Beach, Puri, Odisha, to celebrate Navy Day 2024. The event will be graced by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in her capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), will host this spectacular display, which will also be attended by the Governor and Chief Minister of Odisha, senior government ministers, military dignitaries, and thousands of local spectators.
This operational demonstration marks a historic moment as it is the second time the Indian Navy has chosen a location outside a major naval station to showcase its power and capabilities. The first-ever demonstration of this scale in Odisha further underscores the region’s deep maritime roots and long-standing connection with India’s naval heritage.
The Indian Navy’s display will include a combined force of naval assets with a total tonnage of 90,000 tons, showcasing state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors capable of neutralizing threats from surface, subsurface, and air targets within a 300-kilometer radius. Over 3,500 naval personnel will participate in this high-intensity display at sea, while 350 personnel will coordinate operations ashore to ensure seamless execution.
The event will highlight the Navy’s strategic capabilities and its role as a key guardian of India’s maritime security. The demonstration will also spotlight the Navy’s focus on self-reliance, with an emphasis on indigenously developed technologies, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ Through this, the Indian Navy reinforces its position as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region, embodying the principles of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
Odisha’s rich maritime history adds a special significance to this event. In ancient times, Odisha was known for its flourishing maritime trade and cultural exchanges across the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Navy’s historic ties with the state form a fitting backdrop for this grand demonstration, showcasing both the Navy’s cutting-edge capabilities and the region’s enduring maritime heritage.
As the Navy Day 2024 celebrations unfold, the Indian Navy will not only display its operational might but also reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s interests in the Indo-Pacific, with a firm focus on securing a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for the region.