On December 4, 2024, the Indian Navy will host a spectacular operational demonstration at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha, to celebrate Navy Day. The event will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, and key government officials, including the Governor and Chief Minister of Odisha. The occasion is expected to draw thousands of spectators from the local community.

This event is historic as it is only the second time the Indian Navy has chosen a location outside a major naval station for such a demonstration. It is also the first time the Navy has organized such a grand showcase in Odisha, a state with deep maritime traditions and a significant connection to India’s naval heritage.

The demonstration will feature a powerful display of naval strength, with 90,000 tons of naval assets on show, highlighting state-of-the-art weapons and sensors capable of neutralizing threats from surface, subsurface, and air targets within a 300-kilometer range. Over 3,500 naval personnel will participate at sea, while 350 personnel will coordinate activities on land to ensure a seamless experience.

The event will showcase the Navy’s strategic capabilities and emphasize its crucial role in maintaining India’s maritime security. It will also underscore the Navy’s focus on self-reliance, showcasing indigenously developed technologies, in line with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Through this demonstration, the Indian Navy aims to strengthen its position as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region, promoting the principles of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.

The state of Odisha holds significant historical importance in the context of India’s maritime past. It was once known for its thriving maritime trade and cultural exchanges across the Bay of Bengal. This rich history makes Puri an ideal location for the Indian Navy to highlight both its cutting-edge capabilities and the region’s enduring naval heritage.

As the celebrations unfold, the Indian Navy will not only display its operational power but also reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.