Mumbai: The seas are no longer secondary theatres but are becoming the first arena where strategic intent is signalled and contested, said the chief of naval staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi referring to the recent West Asia conflict. The CNS also commended Indian Navy's readiness during Operation Sindoor, reiterating that it was minutes away from striking before Pakistan requested ceasefire.
On Wednesday, Adm Tripathi presented gallantry and distinguished service awards to Indian Naval personnel on behalf of the President of India at the naval investiture ceremony held in Mumbai. While adressing the gathering, he highlighted that the global order is marked by increasing fragmentation and friction.
Over 23 Vessels Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Daily Traffic Drops from 130 to Six
“In such an environment the seas are no longer secondary teatres where continental conflicts spill over, instead they are becoming the first arena where strategic intent is signalled and contested often with disproportionate conequences,” he said, adding that over 23 vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since the beginninig of the conflict and nearly 1,900 vessels remain stranded as the daily traffic has fallen to six or seven transits compared to the previous average of 130.
“Evolving tech and tactics have not only reshaped how conflicts are planned initiated and sustained but also made non-traditional challenges more complex and less predictable to counter,” he added.
Navy Was Minutes Away from Striking Pakistan Before Ceasefire Request
He also recalled Operation Sindoor and said, “It demonstrated exemplary readiness and resolve of our Navy as our units undertook swift deployment and maintained highly aggressive posture throughout the period. It is now not a hidden fact that we were minutes away from striking Pakistan when they requested stoppage of kinetic action.”
At the investiture ceremony, the Naval chief conferred around 55 awards were to honour and recognise bravery, leadership, professional achievement and distinguished service of Naval personnel and units. The ceremony included conferring of two Yudh Seva Medals, 12 Nao Sena Medal for gallantry, eight Nao Sena Medal for ‘devotion to duty’ and 18 Vishisht Seva Medal.
Naval Chief Presents Unit Citations, Green Practices Award, and Gallantry Medals
He also presented the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to the spouse of late Deepak Kumar, Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting Flight Safety, and Lt VK Jain Memorial Medal for outstanding applied research. Moreover, unit citations were awarded to operational afloat units and shore establishments for their outstanding service over the past year whilst the ‘CNS Rolling Trophy for Best Green Practices’ was awarded in the industrial and non-industrial categories.
Adm Tripathi called the ceremony an ocassion to recognise committment, celebrate achievement and honour those who have gone beyond the call of duty in service of nation. “Their acts of valour, courage and unwavering dedication exemplify the highest traditon of our Navy. Each medal, citation and trophy reflects reflects not just individual excellence but the collected ethos of our service rooted in our core values off duty, honour and courage,” he added.
The event was attended by Vice Adm Krishna Swaminathan, FOCinC Western Naval Command, officers and sailors of the Indian Navy, and spouses and families of the awardees.
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