Ahmedabad: The Indian Navy showcased its formidable maritime prowess with a grand Operational Demonstration at Porbandar as part of Navy Week 2025, offering citizens, dignitaries, and students of Gujarat an impressive glimpse into its multidimensional capabilities. Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
The evening commenced with the arrival of senior civil and defence officials, followed by a rhythmic March Past by Naval platoons, Defence Security Corps personnel, and NCC girl and boy cadets — a display that reflected the discipline, valour, and professionalism of the armed forces.
A series of dynamic operational displays unfolded at sea, underlining the Navy’s high state of readiness on the western seaboard. Fast Interceptor Crafts and Fast Attack Crafts executed high-speed manoeuvres, demonstrating agility and rapid response capabilities. Coordinated formations by GEMINI boats further highlighted teamwork, precision, and operational cohesion.
The flypast by Dornier aircraft of INAS 314 emerged as one of the major crowd-pullers, earning applause as aircraft performed flawless passes over the Porbandar waterfront.
As dusk set in, ships of the Gujarat Naval Area — including newly inducted platforms INS Surat, INS Vibhuti, INS Karuva and INS Kondul — were illuminated, symbolising maritime vigilance and the Indian Navy’s growing blue-water capabilities.
Cultural performances added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations. The Indian Naval Band, Hornpipe dance by Sea Cadet Corps cadets, and performances by students of Navy Children School, Porbandar, beautifully captured India’s maritime traditions and naval heritage. Displays by Agniveers, including women Agniveers, received special admiration as they exhibited weapon-handling proficiency and immaculate drill movements.
Throughout the week, open-ship engagements offered students, NCC cadets, Gujarat Maritime Board representatives, and civil officials the opportunity to interact closely with naval personnel and explore operational platforms — strengthening the civil-military connect and inspiring curiosity among young minds.
The event concluded with the Colours Ceremony and the Continuity Drill, marking a solemn and dignified finale that reflected the Navy’s unwavering commitment to honour, duty, and national service. The celebrations reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and highlighted its deep bond with the people of Gujarat — a region whose seafaring legacy stretches from the ancient dockyard of Lothal to today’s strategic naval hub at Porbandar.